Response to Reviews
Thank you to Guest, HunterHQ, Anonymous, Donkeyboy100, Unnamed, Portal, Pancakes, Noobmaster, Guest, Kingdom Hearts Guy, KingOtakuOverYou, Akechi, T.V. 2000, Fusion, PR5, Anonymous, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 75 of Obscured Truth.
Hi, everyone! As always, I hope you're doing well wherever you are, and are safe. Before I begin answering reviews, I just have a quick question to ask you guys: For those of you who don't have accounts on Fanfiction, how are you able to get notified that a new chapter's been released? Do you check it daily? I'm just wondering out of curiosity, that's all.
Moving that aside, let's get to answering some reviews:
Guest: Oh, so that's what you're asking. Well, while Gamma, Beta, Zeta, and Delta were willing to accept Ace's reign, Epsilon didn't like it one bit, and Omega tried to rebel with every ounce of strength it had. It's amazing how it managed to survive Ace's wrath. Why didn't Watchman give the heroes the algorithm? Because there was a chance the tracker wouldn't have worked. Watchman wanted to make sure that it was fully functional before being used. But Demeter and Percival, being reckless, used Lightning's algorithm to find Lightning. So technically, while it worked, they weren't able to defeat Windy and Lightning. And besides, Azrael was there. So he would have destroyed the algorithm with the Muramasa. Yes, and I will confirm it: Watchman was the one who brought all eight kids to Dr. Kogami, except for Yusaku, who was with Ryoken at the time.
HunterHQ: Hey, anything's possible. Arashi's open for his decision on Windy thanks to people who are willing to lend an ear and listen with compassion. Yes, pure irony there regarding the doctor needing a doctor. Don't worry: The people who were wounded by Malf are in the hospital. I mean, why eat the body when you can go straight to the source? For Ryoken's old house, he made sure to lock it securely should anyone try to use it. Only the Hanoi know how to unlock the entrance. Yes, Watchman came from a church. Yet the ironic thing is that he is anything but holy. For your question, Ace dealt with whistleblowers by getting rid of them quietly. I'm sure you can put two and two together in what I mean by that. Don't worry: Yuhiro will eventually have that ability to use Excalibur to go to the network and back to the real world. Well, Yukage seeks to have Yuhiro see his way of things, and I gotta say, it's slowly working. No. Wraith is the Ignis of Space, not the Ignis of Destruction/Death. There's already a Death Ignis out there. But the fact that Wraith controls space makes him powerful, as he can use his abilities to either expand or minimize the space in an area. Combined with Azrael's abilities, the two of them make a deadly duo. Dr. Kogami doesn't know about Urizen, and the envoys aren't aware that Jericho's in the network, moreover Earth. Hector Marino was a part of Zeta at the time. Yeah, the Hanoi are going to get their just desserts in Chapter 78.
Anonymous: Revolver doesn't have Fire Prison anymore. Honestly, Lightning would see a piece of himself in Watchman, as the latter now has the resolve to do what he must to protect humanity, no matter if he must kill anyone that stands in his way, be it friend, foe, or innocent victim. They're like mirror opposites in a way. About the Pendulum Hybrid monsters… funny you should mention that. Once again, the Hanoi are going to get their just desserts.
Donkeyboy100: Glad you liked the chapter. All the best for your story!
Unnamed: Despite their major differences, the Ignis and humans are indeed similar to one another. Because of anime canon, I can't have Azrael attack SOL Technologies to get Earth. There's no point, as Azrael pointed out that Earth will come to the bad guys one way or another. For Go, it's unlikely SOL Technologies will deploy him to protect the network. As for your question on the church, they won't be a villain or a part of Urizen's group.
Portal: Look. Just read the story, and I'm sure you'll like where things are going for Watchman.
Pancakes: What is wrong with you? That skit is just horrible and offensive. Aside from the Marvel news, which I liked thank you very much, it was offensive to me as a writer and to the characters of the story. Do not do such a thing again.
Noobmaster: Watchman gained his powers in the days of his training as an Inquisitor. His powers are known as 'Rites', and they're multiple ones. For instance, the one where he drained information from Blood Shepherd is a rite. I honestly feel bad for the Hanoi, as they're going to suffer. Though there's an old saying: What goes around, comes around.
Guest: Rosetta doesn't have Ruddy Rose Dragon. She does have Black Rose Moonlight Dragon and CXyz Battleship Cherry Blossom. Both the Muramasa and Excalibur can deal real damage.
Kingdom Hearts Guy: Things are already getting serious. For Yuhiro and Aoi, they're going to have a nice discussion this chapter.
KingOtakuOverYou: Glad you liked the chapter. Unfortunately, people make mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes bring irreparable consequences. Had Demeter and Percival not disobeyed Watchman's orders, he would have gotten everything ready for a true attack on Lightning's fortress. But the fact the duo rushed proved to be their undoing. And yes, Percival is now the duelist who broke the record of most attack points so far in this story.
Akechi: What are you talking about? Windy was on the verge of death once in this story. For Windy, he's angry because he stared into the eyes of death, and it scarred him to the core. He doesn't want to go through that experience again.
T.V. 2000: Sometimes, people make mistakes, and those mistakes can be fatal. Of course Watchman's story is sad. Every time he desired hope, it kept slipping away from his grasp. And his choice having been made at the end of the previous chapter… well, it's going to change things for sure.
Fusion: Well, if you paid attention to the last part of Chapter 75, I'm sure you can get the answer to your question on who wouldn't be afraid of sacrificing Jin for the greater good.
PR5: A good comparison for Watchman. And don't underestimate Percival, as he's gotten stronger since Chapter 19.
Ambiguous: Despite Watchman's intentions, he had a selfish wish in the end, and it'll bite him in the butt later on. If Lightning lost by deck out or alternate win condition, then Jin would die. If the duel ended in a draw, nothing would happen, as technically, no one lost. Percival planned to capture and bring Lightning to Watchman to demonstrate how taking initiative solves problems, not by being a pacifist.
Guest: The Hanoi's thoughts on SOL's High-Performance Ignis plan and the remodelling of Uchida Industries? Well, for the first one, they intend on shutting it down. The second one, they're pissed off.
With all reviews having been answered to, let's get straight to the chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 76: Search And Destroy
In a desolate landscape under a bloody sky, two pendants, one white-ruby and one white-sapphire, fall to the ground before transforming into Excalibur and Muramasa. Their owners, Raguel and Azrael, grab their swords before charging at one another, the blade lock resulting in a flash of light flooding the screen. When the light fades, LINK VRAINS is shown before being replaced my Mirror LINK VRAINS. The Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS logo then appears, with the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" to ominously appear underneath it in rainbow colours. Two symbols also appear underneath those words, with the first one consisting of a dark-orange demonic crest that had lion fangs on the sides, as well as Excalibur slashing it down the middle. The other symbol consisted of a dark-blue demonic crest that had two mirage blades making an X, as well as Muramasa slashing it down the middle.
Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, and Arashi are sitting around a table at Café Nagi, looking at duel footage as they discuss strategies they can use to counter their enemies. At a nearby table, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg are chatting, a hamburger in Roxy's hand, and a hotdog in Kusanagi's hand. Rachel is shown nearby playing with Rasterliger, Salamangreat Balelynx, and Linkuriboh, until the four of them turn their heads to see Herald, Ai, and Flame chatting on the best type of entertainment in the world. All four of them go towards the three chatting Ignis and scare them with a large shout. This causes Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg to laugh at the three Ignis, who are still flustered by the prank.
Kengo Dojun looks down at the hospital bed his mother is on, gritting his teeth before making a fist with his right hand. At another hospital room, Yuhiro, Roxy, and Aoi are shown, where they look down on Miyu resting on her hospital bed. Yuhiro puts his hands on the sides of his head, a panicked and stressed look on his face as Roxy and Aoi try to calm him down, his anxiety settling in. Red, glowing cracks start to spread over his body before dimming on and off. Behind him, shadows form, one of which consists of a girl in her pre-teens wearing a white and blue Greek-styled dress, along with sandals twirling around, her shoulder-length blond hair flowing down behind her. The girl's eyes glow red as she raises her right arm in front of her and places her left hand on her chest, as if she were singing. After she disappears, a black-armored knight that had a spiked plume on his helmet, along with dark-steel plates on his arms appears in her place. Strapped to his sides were a pair of jagged, chained blades, each one having a demonic red-orange glyph pattern on them. Attached to his back was a long sword with a massive blade, as well as a set of arms that had large hands, each one having three claws. The multicolored shapes resembling eyes glowed as the knight pulls out all three blades and slashes the screen completely.
Raguel and Playmaker appear, riding parallel to one another on their duel boards, with Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode and Firewall Dragon following after them. Next is Soulburner and Slipstream, with Salamangreat Heatleo and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon following after the second duo. Last but not least, Blue Maiden and Numera appear, with Marincess Marbled Rock and Geomathmech Final Sigma following after the third duo.
At SOL Technologies, Akira, Hayami, Queen, and Pawn are looking at a monitor that showed Go Onizuka in the training dome, having won a duel against a virtual Playmaker. While the first two individuals frowned with concern, the second two had satisfied smiles on their faces.
In a dark abandoned room, Yukage narrows his eyes as looks at a happy memory of him and Yuhiro playing together as children by using the memory scanner. Blue, glowing cracks start to appear on his right hand, causing Yukage to take deep breaths to calm himself down. After looking at his pendant for a few moments, Yukage puts on his duel disk before he and Wraith raise their right hands to the sky and log into the network. Haru is then shown training under Azrael's tutelage in a room of a palace, having faced off against multiple upgraded Bitboots with Hydradrive Nagini, Scyllonic Hydradrive Kragun, and Medusoid Hydradrive Gorgun behind him. Nearby, Azrael and Wraith watch the match, wanting to see how much stronger Haru has become.
The screen then shifts to another room of the palace, where Bohman is sitting cross-legged, his eyes closed as he begins to meditate. His eyes open before they glow a rainbow color, the glow also spreading to his chest as the room briefly lights up before dimming down. But in the shadows, Malf's eyes glow red as he proceeds to lick his mouth, hunger on his mind.
Silhouettes of Yua Kogami and Katsuya pop up before they morph into their VRAINS personas Demeter and Percival, where the screen goes back to one room of the palace. Windy, who is wearing a cape and eyepatch, commands Stormridership Bahamut Bomber to attack Demeter, who responds by having Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty intercept the attack. In another room, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the latter snaps his fingers, causing a small squad of Armatos Legio Decurions and Centurions to appear behind him. Armatos Legio Magnus Dux, along with Tribunus Laticlavius and Legatus Legionis also appeared behind Lightning. Percival growls as Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon rises from behind him, and two copies of Phantom Knights' Spear appear in his hands.
A silhouette of Ace is shown above Uchida Industries, his right hand outstretched over the company. Drachen faces off against a squad of Bitboots with Red-Eyes Black Dragon behind him, hellbent on getting it back from Ace. The screen then flips over to show Electrolyzer trying to escape his restraints using PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta, with Jericho ominously laughing in the background.
Smoke appears in various areas of the central station in LINK VRAINS, which has been attacked by multiple Bitboots. Phoenix and Gil stand back to back, with Nephthys, the Scared Flame and Abyss Actor – Evil Heel beside the duelists as they confront one Bitboot each. SengokuQueen and Ghost Girl do the same, with Secret Six Samurai – Rihan and Altergeist Memorygant beside the duelists as they too confront one Bitboot each. Stregone is shown arriving to assist both groups, Quintet Magician and Enlightenment Paladin behind him. Nearby, Rosetta confronts Ace, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon rising from behind her before roaring at Ace, who has Dystopia the Despondent rise behind him in response.
Watching these events using the Spatial Cube is Watchman, who is in his server. A disappointed look appears on his face before he pulls out a total of six long and slender swords that resembled rapiers with short hilts, three in each of his hands. Watchman's eyes glow with a purple color before three copies of Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord appear behind him, which proceed to fuse into Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord as the screen is covered with purple cubes.
Raguel and Azrael are then shown facing off against one another in a matrix-like battlefield. Turboblaze Dragon, along with three other monsters, appear behind Raguel before combining to form a tall, white-colored bipedal dragon with red irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck. He had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of his snout and outwards from his head, with the two protrusions on his head having merged to form into a long, bright and blazing one. His four arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on his glowing, fiery claws. On his head was a golden piece of armor, with fiery-golden armor pieces on his feathered chest and body. Each of his feet had large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. The jet-like engine tail's bands expanded outwards, with the feathers in it spiking upwards before a massive blast of fire erupts from it.
Teravolt Dragon, along with three other monsters, appear behind Azrael before combining to form a tall, purple-colored bipedal dragon with blue sclera and white pupils, as well as a small horn-like protrusion on the tip of his snout. His head sported a thundercloud-like crest tipped with yellow coloration, along with pieces of golden armor as well. At the base of his neck, his shoulders, knees, and wings was a black, stud-like feature resembling that of armor, with spikes appearing on the shoulders. His large wings consisted of a fanned shape that expanded outwards to show three spikes tipped with electricity. Strapped to his back was a halo with three spikes on it. Attached to his arms were baseball-mitt-like formations, with three-clawed hands on the undersides that glowed with electricity. His three-clawed feet also glowed with electricity as well. His tail now consisted of two electric generators with a spike at the end, which hummed before releasing electricity from it.
In a garden of Asagao flowers, Miyu sees Yuhiro on one knee, having grabbed the hilt of Excalibur to try and stand up on his feet, the sword having been planted on the ground. She run over and helps Yuhiro stand up on his feet, the both of them having grateful smiles on their faces. The both of them look upwards as the screen jumps to the bright sky and the glowing sun.
In the real world, at the Den City Cemetery...
The bus stopped at the bus stop before its doors opened, allowing Aoi to get off it before walking down the sidewalk. She and the others tried to find any traces of Lightning's algorithm, but they didn't find any whatsoever. So Aoi and the others decided to call it a night, knowing there was no point in continuing the search when there was nothing for the time being. Besides, the good night's sleep would enable them to resume the search with a fresh set of eyes.
This morning, Aoi received a text from Yuhiro, where he told her to meet up at the Den Cemetery. Aoi had no idea why Yuhiro wanted to meet up at a cemetery, but if she were to guess, it was likely due to privacy concerns. People don't go to cemeteries on a daily basis, anyway, which made the place a sort of private... sanctuary. Well, one befitting for the dead. Still, Yuhiro had promised that she'd answer all of his questions after she found out the truth about Miyu. The revelations still angered Aoi, but she was willing to listen to Yuhiro. Aoi also understood why Yuhiro kept Miyu a secret from her for so long, as had she known sooner, she would have done something risky.
"Aoi, are you okay?" Aqua asked, having emerged from her duel disk.
"Yeah, I guess so. But once I get answers, I'll be feeling better." Aoi assured Aqua.
"I hope so, Aoi. Even though what Yuhiro did was wrong, he still cared for Miyu's wellbeing." Aqua gently reminded Aoi.
"I'm aware of that, Aqua. I just feel... betrayed. That's all." Aoi replied. Hopefully, the answers Yuhiro will be giving her will help ease her mind.
"You are Aoi Zaizen, right?" a female voice suddenly asked, which caused Aoi to turn as she saw Medusa appear in front of her, which spooked her.
"Uh, uh, uh-?" Aoi began speaking, not sure what to say.
"It's okay, Aoi. From what I'm seeing, this is one of Herald's sentient Cyberse monsters." Aqua placated Aoi, before she turned to Medusa. "Uh, you're Medusa, right? Did Yuhiro send you to keep an eye on the area?"
"Yes. Yuhiro originally wanted to bring Hercules, but Herald suggested a more stealthier option." Medusa confirmed, before she turned to Aoi. "I need to speak with you, Miss Zaizen."
"Uh, sure. But make it quick. And you can call me, Aoi." Aoi responded.
"I only have one question. From what you've recently learned, is Yuhiro still your friend?"
Aoi raised an eyebrow. That was a question she didn't expect to hear. "Are you saying you don't trust me?"
"It's not a matter of not trusting you. I simply do not know you as well as Yuhiro and Miyu do, Aoi." Medusa gathered her thoughts for a moment before continuing to speak. "But on the topic at hand: Can you forgive Yuhiro for what he's done? Can you still call Yuhiro your friend?"
In Aoi's mind, this was a natural question. As Herald created Medusa, the latter swore to protect Yuhiro, as well as the people he knew in his life. Aoi was Yuhiro's friend for quite a while now. Someone he can trust, and vice versa. But with what's recently happened... Aoi felt betrayed. Was Yuhiro really her friend after what happened? She obviously didn't plan on disowning him anytime soon. All Aoi wanted was answers, and after that, she may forgive Yuhiro for what he did.
Having gathered her thoughts, Aoi finally responded, "Look, Medusa. Despite what Yuhiro did, he's still my friend. I just want answers from him, that's all, okay?"
Medusa thought this over for a moment before responding. "I see. So you're wary, and are not sure what to do next."
"That's right." Aoi confirmed.
"Aoi..." Aqua muttered out of concern.
"That's acceptable for the time being." Medusa finally stated, which got Aoi's attention. "I do hope you find your answer the next time we meet." Within seconds, she turned into magenta-coloured particles, which spooked Aoi out for a second time.
"It's something to get used to, Aoi. I mean, I can't wait to show you the sentient Cyberse creatures I've made." Aqua said.
"I look forward to it." Aoi replied, as she resumed walking. She didn't expect to have an encounter with another sentient Cyberse creature. She thought Progleo, or Rasterliger now, was the only sentient Cyberse creature Yuhiro had. But the fact that Herald made more... caught Aoi off guard quite a bit. After Aoi found the entrance to the Den Cemetery, she began looking around for Yuhiro. Eventually, she found him at an area of the cemetery, where she saw him looking at a pair of gravestones.
"Hey, you made it." Yuhiro said, before he gestured Aoi to walk over to where he was, which she did. "Hey there, Aqua."
"Hey..." Aqua replied.
"I brought Aqua so she can determine whether you're telling the truth or not." Aoi explained, with Yuhiro nodding back in understanding. She turned her head to look at the gravestones Yuhiro was looking at, and ended up gasping upon doing so. "W-W-What? Are those-?"
"My parents? Yup. By blood, adoption, and foster care." Yuhiro grimly confirmed, a sad smile on his face as he turned to Aoi. "But I know you're obviously not here for that. You're hear for answers, and I'm willing to give them all to you."
Aoi nodded her head. "Alright. First question: How long did you know Miyu for?"
"Three years while in a coma, and three months when she was awake at the hospital." Yuhiro immediately answered.
"Coma?" Aoi and Aqua repeated.
"You heard me. Before Lightning infected Miyu with the virus, Miyu was sent to the hospital, and lost eight years of her life as a result. So to put it simply, she was in a total of two comas now." Yuhiro looked away from Aoi and Aqua before gritting his teeth, the duo having gasped in response. "I know who was responsible for doing such a thing as well."
"You do? Who?" Aoi inquired, wanting to know more, which made Yuhiro hesitate for a few moments before he sighed. "Yuhiro?"
He turned back to Aoi before speaking. "Here's the issue, Aoi. While I know who it is, I need to absolutely make sure that my findings are correct. Because if I'm not, then I'll be going after the wrong person. I don't want to make that mistake."
Aoi nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Aqua, what do you think?"
"It makes sense." Aqua agreed. "The last thing anyone needs right now is to involve an innocent person."
"Glad we're on the same page." Yuhiro added. "I'm sorry, Aoi."
"Huh? For what?"
"For everything." Yuhiro replied, before he looked at his parents' gravestones. "My parents, Myojin and Lyla Furutani, were key players in starting up Project: VIII. It led to the creations of both the Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis, which resulted in eight children, including Miyu, from suffering in a god-forsaken experiment."
"Your parents did that?" Aoi questioned. That didn't make sense. In the time Aoi knew Yuhiro, he was kind and caring. Wouldn't his parents be the same?
"Yeah, but they had good intentions. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?" Yuhiro grimly commented. "Their good intentions also consisted of them helping save my life, as they gave blood for a procedure where I was given pieces of my hybrid brother just to repair my damaged lungs. Not just that, but to fill in the missing veins in my right arm and left leg. Makes sense, as I was left to die at a hospital from a set of parents who didn't want me."
Aoi gasped. She didn't know what to say in response to that at all. Yuhiro was left to die at a hospital? How could a pair of people do such a thing like that?! The fact that someone did that to Yuhiro infuriated her to the core. And Yuhiro had a brother as well? "When you say hybrid, you and your brother were both adopted and foster brothers by the Furutanis?"
"Aoi, you don't need to-." Aqua began speaking.
"It's fine, Aqua." Yuhiro assured her. "But to answer your question, Aoi, yes. My hybrid brother, Yukage, and I are brothers by blood, adoption, and foster care." He let out a chuckle. "It's kind of sad to be honest. My brother was the one who infected Miyu with Lightning's virus. Can you believe it? Azrael, the blue bastard, my own brother, is responsible for putting Miyu in the hospital for a second time."
"So Azrael is working for Lightning, then?" Aqua figured out.
"Nope. They're more like allies with common goals. Wraith, the Ignis of Space, is also with them." Yuhiro clarified, before he let out another sad chuckle. Within seconds, he let out a sad laugh, which disturbed Aoi.
"Yuhiro, what's wrong?" Aoi inquired.
"You must hate me after everything you've found out." Yuhiro said, some tears falling down from his cheeks as he let out another sad laugh. It was clear to Aoi that he was on the verge of crying, yet was doing everything he can suppress it. "I mean, I'm guilty by extension for the crimes my parents did, which hurt so many other people. So why would you be friends with someone who's not only completely broken, but also ruined the life of your childhood friend as well? Tell me, Aoi? Why would you still want to be my friend?"
Before Yuhiro can say any more words, Aoi rushed forward and hugged him, which made him gasp for several seconds. "Oh..."
"Because I still want to be your friend, Yuhiro, despite everything that happened." Aoi answered him. "What happened to you wasn't your own doing, and you're not responsible for what your parents or your brother did to others. You are your own individual, and are accountable for your own actions. That's all."
Yuhiro couldn't say anything for several seconds. Aoi still wanted to be his friend, after everything she learned recently?
"It's going to be okay, Yuhiro. It's going to be okay." Aqua tried to reassure him. Eventually, Yuhiro's shoulders began to relax, which indicating that he was calming down. After seeing this, Aoi let go, glad to see that Yuhiro was okay.
"Your comment on how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree makes sense, Yuhiro. Regarding Miyu..." Aoi began speaking.
"Yeah. Guess I'm no better than my parents or my brother, huh? That, I acknowledge." Yuhiro admitted. "Truth be told, my greatest, if not unforgiveable sin, is that I used Miyu's happiness to absolve myself of guilt. Quite pathetic, don't you agree?"
"But you still had good intentions." Aqua reminded Yuhiro.
"That may be the case, Aqua, but I can't take it back."
"I kind of get what you're saying, Yuhiro." Aoi spoke up, which made Yuhiro turn his head to look at her.
"What do you mean?" Yuhiro questioned, having raised an eyebrow.
"As you know already, Akira had to undertake a lot of odd jobs since our parents died. At the time, I had assumed he was doing those jobs so we can pay rent or something like that." Aoi sighed. "But when Akira told me the truth, I was furious for a bit. Though I eventually forgave Akira, as he had the right intentions, and given the situation we were in, he didn't have any other options. What I'm trying to say, Yuhiro, is this: Using someone else's happiness to absolve yourself of guilt, while wrong, isn't unforgiveable. It may take time, but eventually, the person will forgive you for what you've done."
Yuhiro thought of it for several moments. He honestly didn't think of it like that. Though despite Aoi's counterclaims, Yuhiro couldn't take back his mistakes, nor can he take back his sin. While Yuhiro can't control or predict the future, he was still scared with how Miyu would react if he were to tell her this. Would she hate him? Or would she forgive him? "You make some good points, Aoi. Ones that I didn't know about until now. Thanks."
"Hey. It's no problem." Aoi responded, before she gestured Yuhiro to follow her. "Let's get out of this cemetery, shall we?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll take you to the hospital so you can see Miyu." Yuhiro suggested, as the two of them started walking to the gates of the cemetery.
"I would like that." Aoi replied. The two of them exited the cemetery, where they walked down the sidewalk for a few minutes in silence before she spoke up. "I still can't believe that you not only knew Miyu longer than I have, but that you were fighting for her sake for three years. Wow."
"Miyu means everything to me." Yuhiro told Aoi. "Those three months I spent with her in the hospital were some of the happiest days of my life." He looked down the ground. "I can't afford to lose her. I can't afford to lose her!" Tears slowly started falling from Yuhiro's cheeks.
"But you'll get her back from Lightning and Azrael. And you won't be alone in doing this, I promise you." Aoi reassured Yuhiro, before he wiped his tears with his forearm.
"I know. It's just been... hard for me lately."
"Yeah, I get you there." Aoi agreed.
"You really do care for Miyu, don't you, Yuhiro?" Aqua commented, which made Yuhiro nod back in confirmation. "In that case, I have a serious question for you."
"Aqua..." Aoi began speaking.
"No, it's alright, Aoi." Yuhiro interrupted, before he turned to Aqua. "What's your question?"
"Do you love Miyu?" Aqua inquired, which made Yuhiro think to himself for what looked like a long while. All this time, he had been fighting for Miyu's sake with Roxy in the hopes of helping her wake up one day. To do this, Yuhiro risked his life in completing tasks on the Black Market so he can help get funds needed for Miyu's treatment.
Then Yuhiro met other people in his life, who helped him slowly change his goals. At that point, Yuhiro wasn't just fighting for Miyu's sake. He was now fighting for the idea of coexistence and stopping the Hanoi. All his efforts, in the end, had led to Miyu waking up from her eight-year coma thanks to Watchman and Demeter's assistance. Both Yuhiro and Roxy were overjoyed to see Miyu upon hearing the good news, and in seeing her for the first time, Yuhiro felt something different. A feeling that he wasn't aware of, and since Yuhiro didn't know what it was, he put it aside for the time being until he can figure it out himself.
And during the three months Yuhiro spent with Miyu in the hospital doing various things, from helping her with her physiotherapy, to talking with her, to spending time with her outside in the garden of the hospital, that feeling grew even more.
It was here where Yuhiro realized something. The truth about how he truly felt about Miyu, and how she made each of his days better and better. As a result, there was only one answer. "Yeah, Aqua, I love Miyu," Yuhiro finally answered. "I've been in love with her for quite a while now. I love Miyu, and I will never stop loving her. I can promise you that."
Both Aoi and Yuhiro stopped walking as she and Aqua processed this information. In front of them was a boy who, despite his mistakes, genuinely cared for someone with all his heart and soul. Someone who kept fighting for the one he loved, no matter the enemies or obstacles in front of him.
"Thank you, Yuhiro!" Aqua cried out, as she stretched up to put her hands and head on Yuhiro's face, tears falling from her eyes. "Thank you for being there for Miyu when I could not! Thank you for loving her with your heart and soul! Thank you so much!"
Yuhiro gently patted Aqua on the back with his hand, a smile on his face. "Hey, it's only natural to protect the one person you love the most, right?"
"Of course." Aoi and Aqua happily agreed at the same time. Yuhiro was certainly right on that topic. The both of them were fighting to not only save Miyu, but to protect the ones they cared about as well.
"You know, Yuhiro. After hearing what you said, I'll be honest. Compared to my family issues, or even Miles' family issues, yours takes the cake." Aoi admitted, she and Yuhiro resuming their walk down the sidewalk.
"What do you mean? You and Akira went through rough times for a long while before it became better." Yuhiro replied. "And to remind you, I come from the family that started Project: VIII, and have a brother who helped Lightning put Miyu in the hospital. The worst part is that I can't remember anything good about my family, and even if I did, I don't know whether it's the truth, or a set of lies."
"I'm aware of that. But family is something to be treasured, no matter where you come from, or the people who become a part of your life." Aoi frowned. "Do you know how mine and Akira's parents met?"
"Didn't your dad and Akira's mom get married?"
"Yup. But before that happened, Akira's mom was a victim of sexual assault, and the man responsible for this was arrested and sentenced to life in jail." Aoi began explaining. "When Akira's mother realized she was pregnant due to the scandal, she chose to keep the baby, and raised Akira up single with help from her family and friends. As for my original mom, well, she died of a heart attack when I was little."
Yuhiro grimly frowned. He didn't know that part about Aoi's life until now, and was sorry for her. "Thanks for sharing that with me. I... um..." He honestly didn't know what else to say other than that.
"It's no problem. I mean, since you're sharing the truth about your family, it's only fair I share the truth about my own." Aoi pointed out. "It's what friends do, right?"
Yuhiro let out a small chuckle, with Aoi doing the same, the both of them glad they were able to reconcile with one another. The two of them walked in silence until they eventually reached the Den City Hospital. When they did, the duo walked inside and headed over to the receptionist's desk.
"Who are you here to see to-?" the female receptionist asked, before she lifted her head, only to be spooked out upon seeing Yuhiro. "Oh, it's you."
"Sorry about the other day." Yuhiro apologized. "Uh, we're here to see Miyu Sugisaki. Room K3, right?"
"Uh, yes," the receptionist answered, before Yuhiro and Aoi proceeded to walk down the hallway.
"There's this nurse named Emica Okubo, whose been taking care of Miyu for quite a while now. She can answer your questions to the best of her ability." Yuhiro said.
"Getting some information will certainly help." Aoi agreed, the duo now reaching to Room K3. But when they arrived, they saw a different nurse in the room checking Miyu's vital signs.
"Uh, excuse me, miss? Is Emica here today?" Yuhiro asked, which got the nurse's attention.
"I'm sorry, but Emica isn't here today. She's called in ill," the nurse replied. Having anticipated what Yuhiro and Aoi were here for, the nurse quickly left the room. Walking inside, Aoi proceeded to grab a chair nearby before pulling it up to Miyu's hospital bed.
"I'll leave you and Aqua alone with Miyu, Aoi. I doubt I'd be wanted right now." Yuhiro sadly said, before he exited the room and leaned on the wall nearby.
In his mind, he was confused. Why wasn't Yua here today? If she were, she would have answered all of Aoi's questions to the best of her ability. Did something happen to her? Yuhiro hoped she was okay, wherever she was.
Aoi stroked Miyu's forehead with her hand, a sad smile on her face.
"Hi, Miyu. It's Aoi." Aoi stated, tears now starting to fall from her eyes. "I'm so sorry that I didn't know what was going on with you until now. I understand why you kept the truth from me for so long. You didn't want me to worry about you. But I forgive you for not telling me, as you cared for my wellbeing. I promise I'll fight to make sure you come back home. Yuhiro and I will save you from Lightning's grasp." She began crying before putting her head on the hospital bed, unable to keep her emotions in check.
"As your Ignis, I will also make sure you come back home, Miyu." Aqua promised. "I may not have been there for you back then, but I am here for you now. I promise you that..." She also started crying, unable to hold it in any longer.
Nearby, Yuhiro wiped a tear from his eye, trying to keep it together for Aoi, Aqua, and Miyu's sakes. When he found out the truth about himself, Yuhiro was scared for his life. Due to the fact that he came from a family who's made others suffer, that meant he was guilty by extension. But Aoi assured him that he wasn't responsible for what his parents or Yukage did. All Yuhiro was responsible for was his own actions. Still, there was this fear Yuhiro had, where as long as he lives, he'll only hurt the people around him. While Yuhiro tried to deny that fear with every fiber of his being he had, it was still there.
His phone then vibrated, which snapped Yuhiro out of his thoughts as he picked it up. He then answered it after seeing who was calling him.
"Hey, Roxy. I'm at the hospital now. Don't worry, Aoi's forgiven me for what happened. You're up."
"That's nice, Yuhiro. I'm glad things are okay between the two of you." Roxy replied. "In other news, we got a lead on Lightning, and I need your help to narrow it down."
"That's great news!" Yuhiro responded. "I'll be back right away." After he hung up, he went over to Miyu's room, where he saw Aoi wiping her eyes with her right forearm.
"Thanks for taking me here, Yuhiro." Aoi said, as she turned her head to face him. "I'm just glad that I know what happened to Miyu. I promise, you and I will bring her home."
Yuhiro smiled back. "Of course. We have a common goal, and it's only natural to work with people who have the same goal, don't you agree?" He turned to Miyu. "Like I said before, Miyu means everything to me." Yuhiro leaned over and gently kissed Miyu on the forehead for a few seconds. "Just hang on a bit longer, Miyu. We'll bring you home." Yuhiro and Aoi then left the hospital room afterwards and walked down the hallway.
"Say, Yuhiro. I just have one more question for you." Aoi said, which got his attention.
"And what would that be?" Yuhiro replied.
"Well, a while back, there was a handshake event to meet Blue Angel. And lo and behold, during the draw, Miyu's name came up." Aoi began explaining. "Did it have to do anything with you, by any chance?"
Yuhiro genuinely smiled back as he recalled what happened. "Yup. That was me. I just wanted to give her something to look forward to once she wakes up. Are you mad?"
"Of course I'm not. It's sweet you did that. She'll be happy once she wakes up." Aoi answered. "Goes to show you have a big and caring heart, don't you agree?"
Yuhiro rolled his eyes. Aoi was right. Despite his tough and focused exterior, he still had a big and caring heart. "Definitely. So are we good? Do you forgive me for what I've done?"
Aoi nodded. "Yes. I forgive you for not telling me the truth about Miyu sooner. You didn't do it out of malice, you did it out of concern for my wellbeing. I can't hate you for what you've done, as I know you had good intentions for keeping it a secret."
Yuhiro nodded back, glad that Aoi forgave him after everything that happened. "Thanks, Aoi. That means a lot. It really does."
Meanwhile, at SOL Technologies...
Greg entered inside SOL Technologies, having came here under Akira's request. He was stressed with what happened recently. From the Turf War to the potential threat of the enemy Ignis, and Brion's imprisonment, it was a lot to take in. Greg had wondered how he was even able to get through they days without snapping. Maybe it was his duty to the people that kept him going. Or perhaps it was to keep Rachel safe. But one way or the other, Greg swore to keep the public, as well as the people dear to him, safe.
He walked over to the receptionist desk, where he saw Hayami chatting with the receptionist.
"So make sure the business partners on this list are contacted," Hayami finished to the receptionist, who nodded in confirmation before getting to work.
"Pardon me for interrupting. Are you Akira's assistant, Hayami by any chance?" Greg interrupted, which got Hayami's attention upon seeing him.
"Yup! That's me!" Hayami confirmed, before she extended out her right hand, which Greg reciprocated with a hand shake. "Good to see you, Commissioner. Zaizen told me you'd be arriving soon, so he sent me to wait until you came. If you like, I can direct you to his office."
"I'd appreciate that very much, Hayami." Greg complied, before he and Hayami took a right from the receptionist's desk and headed to the elevator. From there, the duo went up a few floors before exiting it and turning left. After walking down the hallway, they reached Akira's office, where Hayami knocked on the door.
"Sorry to interrupt, sir, but Greg's here." Hayami stated, which got Akira's attention as he looked up to see her and Greg.
"Thank you, Hayami. I'll take it from here." Akira responded, which caused Hayami to leave the room while Greg entered inside. "Glad you were able to make it, Greg."
"Good to be here as well." Greg replied, before Akira gestured him to take a seat, which he did. "Now as per your phone call, you have some information to show me, yes?"
Akira grimly nodded as he opened his drawer and pulled out a USB stick. After plugging it and his clicker, a few moments passed before Akira disconnected both of them, where he pressed the clicker in his right hand. It caused an image of Uchida Industries' server to appear. "I sent Akairo, otherwise known as Drachen, to look into Uchida Industries for me a few days ago, the task being to acquire evidence on the company's illegal operations. Unfortunately, there's a lot of it." Akira pressed the clicker numerous times, where the images then appeared one by one like a slide show. First, there were pictures of slaves working on weapons, with numerous Bitboots watching over them. Second, there was pictures of the same weapons being sent into Uchida Industries' core. Third, there was a picture of Chainslaver and Sharpshot overseeing the operations.
"WHAT?!" Greg exclaimed, having stood up from his chair in fury. "Is all of this information true, Zaizen?"
"I'm afraid so, Greg." Akira sadly confirmed.
"And this Akairo person. Are you able to contact him? A first-person account would certainly help-."
"Unfortunately, no, despite the fact that I've reached out to him multiple times." Akira sadly answered.
Greg thought this over for several moments before speaking. "I see. This information you have on hand will help in convicting Uchida Industries of its crimes. Have you told this to the higher-ups yet?"
Akira shook his head. "No, because right now, Queen and Pawn are too busy with that AI Chip project. That's something else I want to talk to you about as well." After pressing the clicker a few times, the images then showed Go Onizuka in his duel against Earth, where he used Brain Hack multiple times before eventually winning the duel. It also showed a live feed of Go undergoing surgery to put the AI chip in his brain, much to Greg's horror. "Despite the fact that Go volunteered for the project, the chip is making his physical and mental health deteriorate."
"And you're letting this happen?!" Greg hissed.
"I'm only the security chief at SOL Technologies, Greg. There's only so much power I have at-." Akira began responding.
"You're pathetic."
Akira narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You're pathetic." Greg furiously enunciated. "You've been so afraid of the higher-ups that you're not able to do your job properly. While I'm obviously not saying I'd do better in your shoes, I am saying that this fear of yours has prevented you from taking the actions needed to save lives!"
"HOW DARE YOU!" Akira snarled back. "You think I have a choice on what I can do?! There's only so much power-!"
"You see? That word you said there, choice was it? That's what's making you hesitate, hasn't it?!" Greg correctly deduced loudly, which made Akira shut his mouth out of surprise. "You've been choosing not to take action out of fear of your own self-benefit! I thought as security chief, you have a responsibility to public safety, right? Right?!" Akira nodded slowly, suddenly afraid of Greg all of a sudden. "It may sound scary, Akira, but you must do the right thing, even if it means going against the higher-ups. That's what escalation policies in the workplace are for, Akira. Or have you forgotten about it this whole time?"
Akira couldn't respond to that comment. Was Greg right about him? Was Akira pathetic because of his fear of the higher-ups? Did he act only in his self-benefit, not for the benefit of others? Knowing that he couldn't speak, Akira handed Greg the USB stick. "This contains all the evidence on Uchida Industries' illegal practices, as well as the AI chip project and SOL Technologies' plans for a high-performance Ignis."
"I appreciate that, Akira." Greg responded, his voice slowly returning to his kinder tone, even though there were pieces of anger in it. Just when Greg reached the door of Akira's office, he turned back to face him. "I'll do what I can on my end concerning these matters, but you must decide whose side you're on, Akira. The people's, or the company's? Choose wisely, because that choice will impact you for the rest of your life." He then stormed out of Akira's office before furiously slamming the door behind him.
Akira sat down on his desk before putting his hands on the sides of his head, a stressed and tired look on his face. He was on the verge of breaking down, yet he kept it together. Akira honestly didn't know what he can do to end all the horrible things going on. The AI chip project, the Ignis war, Uchida Industries, it was a lot for Akira to handle. Despite getting Greg's help, Akira still had to play his part by making a choice on whose side he should join. While Akira obviously knew the answer, the questions on his mind were this: How can Akira put a stop to this madness? And what actions will he have to resort to in order to do so?
Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS, at Lightning's palace...
Azrael looked at the hundred Bitboots Lightning made with a keen eye, having counted each one to make sure Lightning kept his word. With the hundred Bitboots, Ace's forces, Malf, Windy, and a brainwashed Drachen at his beck and call, he will acquire his inheritance. No matter how many people need to get injured or die for that to happen.
The best part was that Lightning had a plan to divert their enemies long enough for Azrael to finish his task. To put it simply, he will make sure they won't be able to help their other allies in the coming attack. Anyone that resists will lose their consciousness data and be eliminated with the program Lightning gave Azrael. When Azrael asked what will happen to that consciousness data, Lightning responded by saying it will be a part of Mirror LINK VRAINS, which was something the former saw as sufficient.
"That's one hundred Bitboots, Azrael. Just as Lightning said there would be." Wraith commented.
"I'm aware of that, Wraith. It's only fair to double check, don't you agree?" Azrael countered, with Wraith nodding in agreement. Soon, Malf entered inside the room Azrael was in, a brainwashed Drachen behind him.
"I looked at his deck, my lord. There's no need to make any improvements on it." Malf reported. "Besides, he was close to defeating Raguel in their duel."
"I see." Azrael replied. "Is the bomb ready?" As if on cue, Malf walked over to where the brainwashed Drachen was and pressed the hardened purple goo, which glowed for a few moments before dissipating.
"It is, my lord." Malf confirmed.
"Excellent." Azrael pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which caused a digital image of Ace to pop up. "Are the forces ready on your side?"
"Yes, don't worry. I'm to meet you at the rendezvous point with them." Ace recalled.
"Good. And remember: Only controlled chaos in Den City. Ensure your forces don't attack any sensitive places, such as the hospital, school, or eateries. You have a responsibility for any mistakes they make." Azrael told Ace. "Or do I need to remind you of what will happen should you fail me?"
Ace grit his teeth, recalling what happened after the Turf War. How Azrael punished him with the Another virus, a warning should he fail again, despite the reward he obtained for his efforts. "I know. I informed my forces of this. I will make sure your orders are complied to the letter." With that, Ace signed off.
Seconds later, Windy and Echo appeared in a green whirlwind that dissipated within moments.
"Ah, there you guys are!" Windy cheerfully said. "I trust we're ready for the festivities?"
"We are, Windy." Wraith confirmed.
"And at perfect timing too." Lightning stated, as he and Jin walked into the room. He then snapped his fingers, which caused footage to pop up before it showed Blood Shepherd riding on his duel board in an area of the network. "Blood Shepherd's on his way right now as we speak."
"You invited him on purpose, right?" Wraith recalled, having remembered how Lightning wanted to eliminate a potential enemy before it became a major annoyance.
"Yes." Lightning confirmed with a grin. "I intend to demonstrate my strength to our enemies by eliminating a powerful opponent. It won't be long before our enemies come to witness the match."
"Now that's clever." Wraith admitted, having put his hand on his chin. By eliminating Blood Shepherd, Lightning will get rid of a powerful opponent, as well as put fear in their enemies. Considering how Blood Shepherd was hellbent on killing the Ignis, it was only logical to select him for the exhibition match, where he'll be a lamb to the slaughter.
As if on cue, an alert popped up, which showed Blood Shepherd closing in on their location.
"It seems Blood Shepherd is close to finding us." Lightning observed. "I will distract our main enemies, while you and the others get your mission done. I expect results once you come back." As Lightning and Jin left the room, Azrael then unsheathed the Muramasa and sliced the air in two, which created a portal large enough to travel through. He and Wraith then had Malf, Windy, Echo, a brainwashed Drachen, and the hundred Bitboots enter inside before stepping into it himself, causing it to close behind him afterwards.
Elsewhere, in the real world, at Ryoken's yacht...
Youta typed on his laptop, with Ryoken watching the screen that was projected by the laptop nearby. After making sure that Akairo's body was safe and sound in one of their safehouses, the Hanoi resumed their operations in finding the Ignis. Ryoken sent Emon out earlier to gather supplies so they can get through the next few weeks. Though if anything, things were about to get strenuous from here on in. How, Ryoken didn't know, but he knew that it was about to happen.
"Master Ryoken, take a look at this." Youta said, which got Ryoken's attention as an image of LINK VRAINS with green spheres popping up one by one appeared.
"It's a high-quality program. One that scans large areas of the network." Ryoken observed. Such a program was a useful tool in looking for things, and in the Hanoi's hands, it would help them find the Ignis.
"Our surveillance program identified the person who's using it." Youta added, as he brought up an image of the user of said program.
"That's Blood Shepherd." Ryoken recognized the individual on screen with an angry glare. "Instead of joining us, he's keeping his word and choosing to fight on his own." He narrowed his eyes, greatly disappointed by Blood Shepherd's decision to fight alone. The way things were, he was no doubt going to be erased. What a complete waste of potential, Ryoken thought, seeing it's common for people not to see the bigger picture, which in turn causes them to do things inefficiently in the short run. Nevertheless, he couldn't just leave him unchecked. "Track him."
"Of course, Master Ryoken." Youta nodded before he typed on his laptop. Moments later, LINK VRAINS was replaced by Blood Shepherd, who was riding his duel board inside the city.
Meanwhile, in the network...
Raguel, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Blue Maiden, and Ghost Girl rode on their duel boards through the network, having continued their mission in trying to find Lightning's location so they can stop him for good.
"Hey, Playmaker. Have you found anything yet?" Soulburner asked.
"No, not yet." Playmaker answered. "But our allies in the real world believe Lightning should be in this area."
"What about that gate of yellow light up ahead?" Raguel inquired, which made everyone else look at the gate nearby.
Upon sensing the energy emanating from it, Herald hardened his gaze. "No doubt about it. That's Lightning's handiwork."
"So we finally found him." Blue Maiden said.
"Are you sure? It could be a trap." Ghost Girl pointed out.
"Even if it is, we can't risk Lightning slipping from our fingers." Blue Maiden countered.
Raguel narrowed his eyes. It was also a chance to stop Azrael for good, and nip a problem in the bud at the same time.
"Lightning will atone for destroying the Cyberse World!" Flame declared.
"Yeah!" Ai shouted in agreement after hearing Flame's words.
"Let's go!" Aqua stated, intent on cornering Lightning and defeating him for good.
"Well, you heard the lady, guys. Let's go kick some asses!" Slipstream proclaimed. After the others nodded in agreement, they followed Playmaker through the gate.
But as they were close to reaching it, Raguel put a hand on his head.
"You okay, Raguel?" Herald asked him.
"Yeah. I just have an uneasy feeling about this. That's all." Raguel assured Herald, before he and the others entered inside the gate, unaware of them being watched.
On the top of a nearby building, Azrael grinned, while Malf smirked. Just as Lightning predicted, their enemies had taken the bait and entered inside his palace. And once Lightning started his duel against Blood Shepherd, his program will prevent the spectators from leaving or logging out until it was over.
"Well, our major enemies have been caught in Lightning's trap like mice hunting for cheese in an inescapable maze." Windy humorously commented beside Azrael. "Is this the green light for the attack, by any chance?"
"Of course it is, Windy." Wraith confirmed, which made Windy cheer in joy upon hearing that.
Azrael, on the other hand, pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which caused a digital image of Ace to pop up. "Begin the chaos." Ace, having heard this, nodded back before in compliance before signing off.
Once that was done, Azrael unsheathed the Muramasa and sliced the air in front of him, which created a portal large enough to travel through. He, Malf, Windy, and Echo then entered inside before it closed up from behind them.
Meanwhile, in the real world, at Ryoken's yacht...
"Surprise, surprise. Playmaker's team has found the Light Ignis." Youta noted, seeing said uneasy allies follow after Blood Shepherd as he got a lock on the portal's digital signature.
"Seems so." Ryoken agreed, before he picked up his duel disk and equipping it.
"You're going as well?"
"It's my responsibility to see this duel." Ryoken responded with affirmation, also seeing it as a chance to nip their enemies in the bud hopefully earlier than expected.
"Then I'll accompany you." Youta stood up from his chair, and Ryoken nodded back as both of them raised their duel disks.
"Deck Set! Into the VRAINS!"
Elsewhere, in the network, at Lightning's palace...
Raguel and the others then emerged from the gate, where they entered into a vast pillared room.
"Where are we?" Soulburner wondered uneasily, as their surroundings changed drastically from outside to inside.
"A palace?" Blue Maiden assumed. Despite it being an enemy lair, she couldn't help but admire the design.
"It looks like one." Slipstream deduced, as he looked around the area. "Yup. One hundred percent a palace."
Ghost Girl looked down and gasped. "That's… Blood Shepherd!"
The others turned as Ghost Girl shot down to the ground and saw that Blood Shepherd was indeed there. And then they caught sight of his opponent.
"Lightning!" Playmaker said, his eyes narrowing at their biggest enemy yet, who still had Jin hostage. Everyone then landed down next to Ghost Girl.
"Blood Shepherd! Why are you here?" Ghost Girl questioned.
"I have no business with you!" Blood Shepherd snarled back. "Do not interfere. This is my duel!"
"It's not like we have business with you either!" Ai shot back.
"Blood Shepherd is here because I invited him here." Lightning explained. "I left the portal open so that you can join us as spectators, and watch him lose."
Raguel blinked his eyes. "Spectators?" Soon, it clicked. Lightning no doubt wanted them to bare witness his power first hand, a way to intimidate them and take out an enemy at the same time. Despite this, he couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that there was more to that than this...
"And what makes you think you're gonna win, huh?" Ai demanded.
"Because I have no other choice but to win. Not if I want to win this war." Lightning answered. "On my side in this fight, the only ones I can truly trust are Bohman, Haru, and Windy. As for my other ally, we simply share a mutually beneficial deal and no more."
Except for Blood Shepherd, everyone knew whom Lightning meant, but the fact that Azrael had Lightning on edge was more serious than they thought.
"On the other hand, there are numerous people who want to either stop us or kill us. In other words, my enemies have the advantage in numbers. If you teamed up with Blood Shepherd, it'll make things more difficult. So before the real fight, I decided to chop off the unnecessary weeds."
"Did you just call me a weed? An unnecessary one at that?" Blood Shepherd dangerously questioned, his voice low.
"That's correct." Lightning confirmed. "To put it in terms you'll understand, I'll defeat our enemies, starting with the weakest. Which is you."
That was the last straw for Blood Shepherd, as he angrily clutched his fist. "Light Ignis, I will end you!"
Elsewhere, at SOL Technologies' headquarters...
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Akira and Hayami couldn't believe what they was seeing on the screens. A massive number of Bitboots were attacking the central area of LINK VRAINS, using Full Metal Dunkle and Battle Coela to fire on innocent civilians and damage property. As for the other screens, there were multiple explosions in different places, each one showing the authorities confronting the attackers.
"The entire network is being damaged by those..." one staff member began speaking.
"AIs." Akira quietly finished, having recognized Bitboot on the screens.
"What should we do, sir?" another staff member asked.
"Initiate the network's emergency protocols." Akira ordered. "Have everyone log out as soon as possible."
"That's a good idea, Zaizen, but you do realize it'll leave the entire network defenceless, right?" a familiar voice pointed out, as its owner, Pawn, and Queen entered inside the headquarters.
"Pawn. Queen." Akira stated, as he turned to face them.
"Where exactly are these invaders heading towards, Zaizen?" Queen inquired, having crossed her arms.
Akira gathered his thoughts as he looked at the screens in front of him, and after a few moments, he got an answer. "They're going after the central station, Queen and Pawn."
Both Queen and Pawn froze in horror upon hearing that answer. The Central Station? That wasn't good at all. It was where it was located, and if those AIs were after the information inside, it wouldn't be good at all for SOL Technologies.
"Uh, sir. I think you petrified the higher-ups." Hayami quietly whispered to Akira.
"It seems that's the case." Akira quietly agreed back.
"Zaizen, I want you to contact all the Charisma Duelists. Have them protect the Central Station at all costs." Queen ordered, having gotten her bearings back.
"And what about Go?" Akira questioned back.
"We won't be sending him to protect the station due to other pressing matters." Queen replied.
"Uh, may I remind the both of you that unless we stop these attacks, we'll all lose?" Pawn pointed out to both Akira and Queen, which got their attention as they turned to him. "What? I'm just making an urgent statement here."
Akira nodded in agreement. This was no time to be arguing amongst each other. That can happen another time. For now, the safety of both the people in the network and in the real world came first. "I'll make the required phone calls immediately." After he gestured for his staff to begin the task, Queen and Pawn left the room and walked down the hallway.
"If the data in the dark vault gets destroyed or stolen, the Kings will be furious, Hyodo." Queen told Pawn, having addressed him by his real name.
"Yes, I'm aware of that, Ohi." Pawn replied back. "I'll activate the leftover AIs we have and send them to assist the Charisma duelists. What will you be doing in the meanwhile?"
"Setting up some contingencies should things go south." Queen revealed, with Pawn nodding back in agreement. That made sense, as the data SOL Technologies had was valuable to use. If it was lost.. well, it wouldn't be good for anyone at the company. Besides, no one wanted a repeat of what happened all those years ago.
Both Queen and Pawn continued walking down the hallway, intent on completing their tasks.
A half hour later, in LINK VRAINS...
Stregone, Deva, Ragnarök, Jeanne, Reidrith, Miss Chief, Krystal, Balthazar, and Astro stood side by side, having guarded the front entrance to the Central Station of LINK VRAINS. Nearby was Phoenix and Rosetta, who have also joined them as well. All of the Charisma duelists were informed that, should it go down, LINK VRAINS' operations would shut down, thus leading to more casualties.
"Why would these people attack us in the first place?" Reidrith wondered. "We didn't do anything wrong."
"That may be the case, but whoever these people are, they don't care about human lives." Jeanne pointed out to Reidrith.
"Well, whoever they are, they're about to experience Hell!" Ragnarök declared, as he smashed his fists against one another.
"Yeah! They won't know what hit them!" Miss Chief agreed.
Stregone and Krystal, on the other hand, sighed. While violence was sometimes not the answer, there was a need to fight back against enemies should it be required. Still, if they can negotiate with the attackers and convince them to stand down, they can end this without further bloodshed.
"Hey, Stregone. How you feeling?" Phoenix asked him, which got his attention. Stregone tried to convince both Phoenix and Rosetta to stay back and not participate in this fight. The duo ended up making a good case, and Stregone allowed them to participate in defending the network, despite his protests.
"Scared, Phoenix. Scared that more lives will be lost should we fail." Stregone admitted.
"But we won't let that happen! I mean, we have the Charisma duelists on our side!" Rosetta assured Stregone.
"The lady is right, Stregone." Astro said in agreement. "Regardless of who these people are, they won't be able to defeat some of the most powerful duelists in the network."
"That doesn't mean you should be arrogant, Astro." Krystal told him. "We don't know who our enemies are, so caution is recommended."
"Oh, stop your talking, humans," a voice interjected, as a portal opened, which caused multiple Bitboots to walk outside of it before it closed behind them. Within moments, more Bitboots rode their duel boards and jumped down on them before joining their comrades.
"Okay, that's a lot of enemies." Astro admitted.
"Perhaps. But we can't show weakness." Deva told Astro.
Stregone then took a step forward in front of the other Charisma duelists to face the Bitboots. "I am Stregone, the number two Charisma duelist in the network. You may have caused damage, but we are willing to open negotiations if you stop the attack. What is it you want?"
"What we want is the destruction of you humans," one of the Bitboots answered, which made Stregone gasp. "The time has come for you to be replaced as the superior species. Prepare yourself!"
Within seconds, Meteor Black Comet Dragon appeared behind the Bitboots before firing volcanic energy at the Charisma duelists, which caused Stregone to summon Enlightenment Paladin before the latter shielded them using his swords. A brainwashed Drachen then walked past the Bitboots and pointed Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword at the Charisma duelists.
"Attack..." Drachen ordered the Bitboots, which caused all of them to charge forward as the Charisma duelists responded in kind by summoning their ace monsters and taking their enemies on in separate duels. As chaos spread around the area, the Charisma duelists got separated, forcing them to split up and take on a different amount of Bitboots each.
Astro jumped on the back of Satellite Cannon before commanding it to fire down at some Bitboots, which eviscerated them in a single cannon blast. Reidrith and Jeanne summoned Crusadia Equimax and Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme, the both of them proceeding to tear apart some Bitboots as well.
"Get them, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon!" Rosetta said, as Black Rose Moonlight Dragon breathed energy from her maw that destroyed several Bitboots.
"Chomp them down, Jormungandr!" Ragnarök roared, as Jormungandr, Generaider Boss of Eternity proceeded to swallow several Bitboots that were in his way.
"Show them how we do it, boys!" Miss Chief declared, as Prank-Kids Battle Butler and Rip-Roarin-Roaster smashed a few Bitboots to pieces.
"Freeze them solid, Dragite!" Krystal commanded, as Adamancipator Risen – Dragite unleashed a wave of freezing ice that froze several Bitboots before turning each one into particles.
"Unleash a symphony of destruction, ladies!" Balthazar stated, as Solfachord Coolia and Gracia released a wave of musical energy from their wands, which turned a few Bitboots into particles.
"Eradicate them all in a blazing light, Vrash!" Deva ordered, as Cyber Angel – Vrash fired down a massive fire of light that incinerated numerous Bitboots.
"Destroy them, Enlightenment Paladin!" Stregone shouted, as Enlightenment Paladin sliced several Bitboots down to pieces.
Nearby, Numera and SengokuQueen logged into the network on top of a separate tower, having witnessed the chaos from above.
"Damn those AIs..." SengokuQueen cursed under her breath.
"With your assistance, we can stop this madness." Akira said over the comm. A few minutes prior, Akira contacted SengokuQueen and asked for her assistance, along with Numera's. Considering what was going on in the real world, the both of them were more than willing to help stop this madness.
"Yes, I know that. Though I wonder where are Playmaker and the others." SengokuQueen retorted.
"Maybe they're in pursuit of the one responsible for launching the attack." Numera hypothesized, which got SengokuQueen's attention. That was a likely explanation, as if you removed the leadership, the forces would have to either retreat, surrender, or die fighting.
"Yes, that's a good point." SengokuQueen agreed. Summoning Geomathmech Final Sigma and Secret Six Samurai – Rihan, both Numera and SengokuQueen leapt down from the building in a mighty crash that rocked the battlefield.
"Just great, our enemies got allies!" Bitboot complained, as some of them were chomped into pieces by Jormungandr.
Final Sigma then charged forward and incinerated several Bitboots with its sword, while Rihan and SengokuQueen proceeded to chop down a few of them. Seeing that Rosetta was in danger, the both of them ran forward and sliced them down.
"Good to see you made it, SengokuQueen." Rosetta commented, as SengokuQueen stood behind her, back to back.
"Of course. I'm not letting these enemies get away with what they've done!" SengokuQueen agreed. "Distract them for me, will yeah?" Nodding back, Rosetta had Black Rose Moonlight Dragon distract some Bitboots while Rihan and SengokuQueen charged forward and eliminated them in one fellow swoop.
Meanwhile, in another area of the main area in LINK VRAINS...
Final Sigma incinerated several Bitboots with its mighty sword, which sent them flying off the ground as each one of them turned into particles.
"Yeah, that's the spirit, Final Sigma!" Numera praised her duel monster. However, a duel anchor shot out of nowhere and wrapped itself around Numera's duel disk, which caused her to fall of Final Sigma. However, she did a roll and propped herself up on her feet within seconds as Final Sigma turned into particles that returned to her duel disk.
"Finally, this little girl got duel locked!" Bitboot said, a grin evident on his face.
"So you're Bitboot. Or at the very least, a Bitboot." Numera replied.
"That's correct!" Bitboot confirmed. "I'll have you know that if you lose this duel, you lose your consciousness data!"
"What?" Numera gasped. She didn't expect to hear that at all today. The fact that Numera was risking her consciousness data scared her. However, she wouldn't let that faze her one bit. "You'll be the one losing, that I can guarantee!"
"Big words from a little girl! Let's see if you can back them up!" Bitboot responded, as both duelists activated their duel disks at the same time.
"Duel!" Numera and Bitboot announced at the same time.
Bitboot: 4000 LP
Numera: 4000 LP
"You're a child, and we're an advanced AI! That means we're going first!" Bitboot said, much to Numera's annoyance. How dare they judge her as a kid! They'll get their just desserts for that! "We summon D-Scale Sardine from our hand to our field." A blue and grey mechanical fish appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK: 600 DEF: 300 LV: 2
"We activate Saber Sardine's effect. By paying 500 life points, we can Special Summon one 'D-Scale' token to our field." As Bitboot's life points dropped, a small blue and green orb appeared on their field in defense position.
Bitboot: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP
D-Scale Token ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1
"Appear, our circuit!" Bitboot declared, as a Link Portal appeared above them. "The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. I set D-Scale Saber Sardine and the Scale token into the Link Markers!" Saber Sardine went into the left arrowhead, while the Scale token went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large, purple mechanical fish with yellow eyes and green lines running over its body appeared on Bit and Boot's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1800 LINK-2 ⬅️⬇️
"We activate Battle Coela's effect. Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to." Bitboot continued, as Battle Coela moved downwards to the Main Monster Zone it pointed to. "Now let's see if you're prepared for this! Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who stands before us! We activate the Link Spell card, Judgment Arrows!" Within a few moments, Judgment Arrows appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Battle Coela pointed to.
Judgment Arrows ↖️⬆️↗️
"You see, human, when a Link monster Judgment Arrows points to battles, its attack points are doubled until the end phase. However, should Judgment Arrows leave the field, all monsters it points to will be destroyed." A moment of silence then occurred on the duel field, Numera not bothering to react in response to Bitboot's statement for Judgment Arrows. "Uh, this is the part where you start to panic, little girl."
Numera shook her head back at Bitboot, a glare evident on her face.
"Alright, fine! We Set one card face-down and end our turn." Bitboot concluded.
"My turn! I draw!" Numera said, as she drew the top card of her deck. "I activate the effect of Mathmech Subtraction from my hand. I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field by targeting one monster you control and having it lose 1000 attack points until the end phase."
"What? That's just cheap!" Bitboot protested.
"Oh, really?" Numera taunted back, which made Bitboot sweatdrop slightly out of fear. "I target Battle Coela, and Special Summon this card from my hand to my field." A red robot with a huge scarf that carried a slimmer sword appeared on Numera's field. It had two white spikes on each of its shoulders and on top of its head, as well as a red spike on its kneecaps.
Mathmech Subtraction ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 4
Subtraction then fired a beam of energy from its sword, which hit Battle Coela as its strength decreased.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1800 – 1000 = 800
"Wait a minute! That's a Cyberse monster!" Bitboot realized. "How did you get your hands on that monster? Are you possibly-?"
"Nope. I'm just someone who's gonna kick your ass in a few minutes, so shut up!" Numera shouted, which made Bitboot slightly sweatdrop out of fear once again. "I summon Mathmech Nabla from my hand to my field." A black and yellow robot carrying a large blade appeared on Numera's field. The robot had a yellow visor covering its face, along with hardened shoulders, and yellow nabla elements covering its body.
Mathmech Nabla ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 4
"I now activate the Spell card, One-Time Passcode. This card lets me Special Summon a 'Security' token to my field in Defense Position." Soon, a blue card with a lamb silhouette on it appeared on Numera's field.
Security Token ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000 LV: 4
"I now tune the Level 4 Mathmech Nabla with the Level 4 Mathmech Subtraction and the Level 4 Security Token!" Numera declared, as a bolt of red lightning struck the ground from behind her and greying the world out. Her three monsters disintegrated into particles before turning into three rings, the first two red, and the third blue before turning blue and merging. This time, twelve blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "12" as light surged through the rings.
"Code, Metal, and Fire combine into one!" Numera chanted. "Sigma's ultimate evolution has been reached, and is now ready to incinerate all who oppose it! Synchro Summon! Appear, my protector! Level 12! Geomathmech Final Sigma!" A massive red and white robot, bigger than its brethren, emerged from the light and on Numera's field in the right Extra Monster Zone, carrying a blazing sword. The robot had shredded pieces of a cape on both its shoulders and its waist.
Geomathmech Final Sigma ATK: 3000 DEF: 0 LV: 12
"Oh, crap! It's a Level 12 Cyberse Synchro monster!" Bitboot panicked.
"I activate Nabla's effect, and target Final Sigma!" Numera stated, before she thrusted out her right hand. "Battle! Geomathmech Final Sigma attacks D-Scale Battle Coela!" Final Sigma charged forward, intent on bringing its sword down on Battle Coela.
"Don't forget that Judgment Arrows double Battle Coela's attack points!" Bitboot reminded Numera, as a golden aura surrounded Battle Coela, which doubled its strength.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 800 X 2 = 1600
"In addition, we activate the Trap card, Tidal Advantage! When a monster you control battles a Water monster we control, your monster's attack points are halved during the Battle Phase only!" A tide of water surrounded Battle Coela, which protected it before a second burst of water hit Final Sigma... only for it to do nothing.
"Sorry, but Final Sigma is unaffected by card effects, except for the effects of 'Mathmech' cards while in the Extra Monster Zone." Numera cheekily pointed out, which made Bitboot gasp. "In addition, while it's in the Extra Monster Zone, any battle damage it inflicts is doubled!"
"...!" Final Sigma brought down its sword on Battle Coela, only for the tide of water to protect it. As for Bitboot, they winced as their life points dropped.
Bitboot: 3500 – (1400 X 2) = 700 LP
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1600 X 2 = 800
"Oh, and one more thing. Since Nabla was sent to the Graveyard, I can target one Cyberse monster on my field, and have it make up to two attacks on monsters during the Battle Phase. As such, I targeted Final Sigma earlier." Numera remembered, which made Bitboot gasp a second time.
"OH NO!" Bitboot panicked. Since they activated Tidal Advantage, they were toast!
"Geomathmech Final Sigma attacks D-Scale Battle Coela once again! Fillet that Founder with Scorching Termination!"
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 800 X 2 = 1600
Final Sigma charged forward and slashed Battle Coela with its sword, which caused a massive explosion that launched Bitboot off the ground.
Bitboot: 700 – (1400 X 2) = 0
"Let us never speak of this to anyone." Bit commented.
"For once, we're on the same page." Boot agreed, before the two of them turned into particles.
Numera wiped the sweat off with her right forearm, having been slightly exhausted by that duel. Even though she was able to defeat Bitboot, he still was an efficient duelist. "Alright. Let's go help the others." After summoning Final Sigma once again, Numera jumped on the robot's shoulder before the duo proceeded to help the others defeat the Bitboots.
Elsewhere, in another area of LINK VRAINS...
"Tear them apart, Nephthys, the Sacred Flame!" Phoenix said, as Nephthys, the Sacred Flame breathed hot fire at several Bitboots, which incinerated each one before they turned into particles. "Alright, who's next?" Unfortunately for Phoenix, more Bitboots jumped down from their duel boards to confront him. "Me and my big mouth..."
"You're in for it now!" one of the Bitboots declared. The next thing they knew, numerous chains emerged from portals before proceeding to wrap themselves around several Bitboots. Within seconds, the chains squeezed and turned each one into particles.
"Cornering someone ain't nice, no matter if you're a human or AI," a familiar voice commented, which caused Phoenix to turn to Gil as he emerged from the shadows.
"Gil? What are you doing here?" Phoenix asked. "Were you called in by someone?"
"If the network goes down, all work opportunities go kaput, and that's the last thing anyone needs." Gil explained to Phoenix, as the both of them turned to the Bitboots approaching them.
"How dare you interfere!" one of the Bitboots snarled at Gil, who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"I'll take one, you take the other." Gil said, with Phoenix agreeing as the former proceeded to charge forward and activate his duel disk at one of the Bitboots.
"You want a duel, huh? Prepare yourself for pain, bub!" Bitboot declared, as he activated his duel disk.
"Sorry, but you're the one who'll lose!" Gil countered.
"Duel!" Bitboot and Gil shouted at the same time.
Bitboot: 4000 LP
Gil Ariba: 4000 LP
"We're going first, kid." Bitboot said.
"Sure. Whether you go first or second, it doesn't change the fact that I'll win this duel." Gil casually replied.
"Is that so? Then we'll just see, won't we? My turn! We'll start by summoning D-Scale Sardine from our hand to our field." A blue and grey mechanical fish appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK: 600 DEF: 300 LV: 2
"We activate Saber Sardine's effect. By paying 500 life points, we can Special Summon one 'D-Scale' token to our field." Bitboot stated, as their life points dropped, which caused a small blue and green orb appeared on their field in defense position.
Bitboot: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP
D-Scale Token ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1
"We activate the Spell card, Double Summon. This card lets us perform an additional Normal Summon this turn. As such, we summon D-Scale Piercing Saury from our hand to our field." A thin, purple and grey fish with a glowing yellow front appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK: 800 DEF: 600 LV: 3
"Appear, our circuit!" Bitboot declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set D-Scale Saber Sardine, Piercing Saury, and the D-Scale token into the Link Markers!" Saber Sardine went into the left arrowhead, Piercing Saury went into the bottom arrowhead, and the D-Scale token went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle!" A large, black metal fish with yellow jaws, fins, and missile launchers on its back appeared on Bitboot's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️
"From there, we activate the Spell card, Salvage, which lets us add target two Water monsters with 1500 attack points or less in our Graveyard and add it to our hand. We target Saber Sardine and Piercing Saury." Bitboot added, as two cards popped out of his Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand. "We also activate the Continuous-Spell card, Battle at Sea. Now any battle damage a Water monster inflicts is doubled."
I see. So this guy's aiming to finish the duel off very quickly, Gil thought, as he looked at the cards in his hand. Little does this fool know, he's in for a special treat.
"We end our turn here, kid. Let's see how you'll deal with our field!"
Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS...
Phoenix activated his duel disk, ready to throw down against Bitboot.
"You don't have an Ignis, nor are you a duelist of high caliber. Yet you challenge us?" Bitboot questioned, as he activated his duel disk.
"A duelist can outdo the strong if they work hard enough." Phoenix told Bitboot. "Don't believe me? Allow me to show you first hand!"
"Let's duel!" Bitboot and Phoenix said in unison.
Bitboot: 4000 LP
Phoenix: 4000 LP
"We're going first, bub." Bitboot decided. "My turn! We summon D-Scale Sardine from our hand to our field." A blue and grey mechanical fish appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK: 600 DEF: 300 LV: 2
"We activate Saber Sardine's effect. By paying 500 life points, we can Special Summon one 'D-Scale' token to our field." As Bitboot's life points dropped, a small blue and green orb appeared on their field in defense position.
Bitboot: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP
D-Scale Token ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1
"Appear, our circuit!" Bitboot declared, as a Link Portal appeared above them. "The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set D-Scale Saber Sardine and the Scale token into the Link Markers!" Saber Sardine went into the left arrowhead, while the Scale token went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large, purple mechanical fish with yellow eyes and green lines running over its body appeared on Bit and Boot's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1800 LINK-2 ⬅️⬇️
"Let the Voyage to Hell begin! I activate the Equip Spell card, D-Scale Torpedo, and equip it onto Battle Coela!" Bitboot continued, as a set of cannons soon attached themselves to Battle Coela's back. "Battle Coela's effect! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to." Battle Coela moved downwards to the Main Monster Zone it pointed to. "Now let's see if you're prepared for this! Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who stands before us! We activate the Link Spell card, Judgment Arrows!"
"A Link Spell card?!" Phoenix repeated out of shock.
"Correct!" Bitboot confirmed, as Judgment Arrows appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Battle Coela pointed to.
Judgment Arrows ↖️⬆️↗️
"Now allow us to explain how this card works, human. When a Link monster Judgement Arrows points to battles, its attack points are doubled. However, should Judgment Arrows leave the field, all monsters it points to will be destroyed. But let's continue the Voyage to Hell, shall we? I activate Battle Coela's second effect. Once per turn, we can move this card to the Link Marker of a card linked to it. Therefore, Battle Coela moves to Judgment Arrows' far-left Link Marker." Battle Coela performed said action, moving further away from Bitboot.
"We activate Torpedo's effect. Once per turn, it can inflict 800 points of damage to you equal to the number of times the equipped monster moved this turn." Bitboot added.
"Are you serious?!" Phoenix exclaimed. This opponent wasn't ordinary at all.
"We totally are serious, bub!" Bitboot replied. "As Battle Coela moved twice, you take 1600 points of damage!" The cannons on Battle Coela's back opened and fired at Phoenix, who was forced to take a step or two back as his life points dropped.
Phoenix: 4000 – (800 X 2) = 2400 LP
"We Set two cards face-down and end our turn, human. Now let's see what you've got."
"Okay, but you shouldn't underestimate me." Phoenix warned Bitboot. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Instant Fusion. By paying 1000 life points, I can Special Summon one Level 5 or lower Fusion monster from my Extra Deck! However, it can't attack, and it's destroyed during the End Phase. I Special Summon Mavelus from my Extra Deck!" A red-skinned bird with yellow feathers for its wings and tail appeared on Phoenix's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. A red aura then surrounded Phoenix, making him grit his teeth as his life points dropped.
Mavelus ATK: 1300 DEF: 900 LV: 4
Phoenix: 2400 – 1000 = 1400 LP
"I summon Hand of Nephthys from my hand to my field." A woman wearing an Egyptian orange skirt and over her shoulders to her chest appeared on Phoenix's field. She also wore golden pieces of Egyptian textile-like clothing all over her upper body, as well as on her legs and arms. On top of her head was a golden headdress, with an orange feather on it.
Hand of Nephthys ATK: 600 DEF: 600 LV: 2
"I activate Hand of Nephthys' effect. Once per turn, I can tribute this card and one other monster to Special Summon Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys from my hand or deck!" Phoenix continued, as a card popped out of his deck. "I tribute Hand of Nephthys and Mavelus from my field to Special Summon Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys from my deck!" After Hand of Nephthys and Mavelus turned into a particles, a golden phoenix with arms and fire on the back of her head, as well as orbiting around her wings appeared on Phoenix's field.
Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys ATK: 2400 DEF: 1600 LV: 8
"Just what we were waiting for!" Bitboot suddenly interrupted. "We activate the Trap card, Torrential Tribute! When a monster is summoned, we can destroy all monsters on the field!"
"Tch!" Phoenix grit his teeth. If he had only seen it sooner! Then again, it made sense for Bitboot to wait, as by doing so, they can make all of Phoenix's efforts go to waste.
"Say goodbye to Battle Coela and Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys!" A massive burst of energy erupted out of Torrential Tribute, which turned Battle Coela and Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys into particles. "In addition, we activate our other Trap card, Torrential Reborn! When a Water monster is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the Graveyard, we can Special Summon all the monsters destroyed to our field, as well as inflict 500 points of damage for each one Special Summoned by this effect. Say hello once again to Battle Coela!" As if on cue, Battle Coela reappeared on Bitboot's field on Judgment Arrows' top marker.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1800 LINK-2 ⬅️⬇️
"And say goodbye to 500 of your life points!" Bitboot added, as a burst of water hit Phoenix, which decreased his life points.
Phoenix: 1400 – 500 = 900 LP
Great. I lost at least over a thousand life points in a single turn, he cursed in his mind. An idea then popped in his mind. Bitboot did say that once Judgment Arrows left the field, all monsters pointing to it would be destroyed. If Phoenix timed it right, he can get rid of both their Link monster and their ace card. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
Elsewhere, at Gil and Bitboot's duel...
"If you want to see how I'll respond, I'll show you first hand!" Gil responded with a smirk. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I use the Scale 8 Abyss Actor – Comic Relief and the Scale 0 Abyss Actor - Mellow Madonna to set the Pendulum Scale!" Soon, two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Gil's field.
In the pillar of light on the left was a pink-skinned clown that wore purple overalls. He had a small moustache and white, bushy hair. On his head was a party hat, along with a pair of glasses over his eyes.
In the pillar of light on the right was a woman wearing a long black dress She had long pink hair, with the front bang of it being yellow. In the middle of her dress was a purple rose.
Abyss Actor – Comic Relief Scale: 8
Abyss Actor – Mellow Madonna Scale: 0
"You can Pendulum Summon?!" Bitboot exclaimed. Uh oh. That didn't sound good at all.
"Of course, dummy. It's called the element of surprise." Gil replied with a grin. "I activate Mellow Madonna's Pendulum effect! By paying 1000 life points, I can add one 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum monster with a different name from my deck to my hand. However, I can't Special Summon monsters, except 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum monsters for the rest of this turn. I add Abyss Actor – Evil Heel from my deck to my hand." After a card popped out of Gil's deck, which he took, his life points dropped.
Gil Ariba: 4000 – 1000 = 3000 LP
"With the Set Pendulum scale, I can Pendulum Summon monsters between Levels 1 and 7 at the same time! Emerge, Abyss Actor – Extras, Wild Hope, and Twinkle Little Star!" Within moments, a portal opened between the two pillars, where three lights emerged. The three lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing three monsters.
The first was a pair of three blue fiends with no legs, who were attached to a metal saucer underneath them. While each of the fiends had one eye and a hat on their heads, there was a single difference among them. The first fiend wore a red vest, the second fiend wore a yellow vest, and the third fiend wore a green vest.
The second was a purple-skinned male fiend with dreadlocks on the back of his head., He wore a blue cowboy outfit, which included a yellow hat that had small skulls at the center. In his right hand, he carried a blaster.
The third was a small purple skinned girl in a tutu. She had light violet hair, and a dark violet hat on her head shaped like a rose.
Abyss Actor – Extras ATK: 100 DEF: 1000 LV: 1 Scale: 3
Abyss Actor - Wild Hope ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4 Scale: 2
Abyss Actor – Twinkle Little Star ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 4 Scale: 9
"I activate Comic Relief's Pendulum effect!" Gil continued. "I can target an 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum monster on my field, and one monster you control before switching control of both monsters in exchange for destroying him."
"Wait, wait, what?!" Bitboot exclaimed. This got worse than he anticipated.
"I target Extras on my field, and Full Metal Dunkle on your field!" Comic Relief clapped his hands five times before turning into particles, which caused Extras and Full Metal Dunkle to switch fields. Now the former was on Bitboot's field, while the latter was on Gil's field. "And with that done, I tribute Wild Hope and Twinkle Little Star to tribute summon Abyss Actor – Evil Heel from my hand to my field!" After Wild Hope and Twinkle Little Star turned into particles, a large, dark-blue fiend with a large mouth and a white mask rose on his body appeared on Gil's field. His right arm was bigger than that of his left arm.
Abyss Actor – Evil Heel ATK: 3000 DEF: 2000 LV: 8 Scale: 1
"When Evil Heel is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target one face-up monster you control and have it lose 1000 attack points for every 'Abyss Actor' monster I currently control." Gil explained, which made Bitboot gasp.
"GAAAAH!" Bitboot shouted.
"I target Extras, which loses 1000 attack points because there's only one 'Abyss Actor' monster on my field. Heel Pressure!" Evil Heel roared at Extras, pushing them back as their strength dropped to zero.
Abyss Actor – Extras ATK: 100 – 1000 = 0
"Battle!" Gil declared, as he thrusted out his right hand. "Abyss Actor – Evil Heel attacks Abyss Actor – Extras! Heel Slam!" Evil Heel charged forward at Extras before grabbing them by the neck and slamming them to the ground, which caused an explosion that pushed Bitboot back several feet as his life points dropped.
Bitboot: 3500 – 3000 = 500 LP
"Oh no..." Bitboot muttered, having realized that certain doom awaited him.
"Prepare to be turned into dinner by your own fish! D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle attacks you directly!" Gil shouted, as the cannons all over its body charged up energy, which immediately fired at Bitboot before sending him flying off the ground.
Bitboot: 500 – 2400 = 0
"What's up with these humans and their unexpected techniques?" Bit questioned.
"How am I supposed to know?" Boot shot back, before the two of them turned into particles, which formed into a sphere that went over to Gil.
"Hmm. Fascinating. This is something I need to look over, as it can help us win." Gil muttered. "I gotta go see how Phoenix is doing with his duel."
Elsewhere, at Phoenix and Bitboot's duel...
"My turn! We draw!" Bitboot said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "We activate Battle Coela's effect! Once per turn, we can-!"
"Not so fast! Trap card, activate! Phoenix Wing Wind Blast!" Phoenix interjected. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can target a card you control and place it on top of your deck. I target Judgment Arrows!" After Phoenix sent a card from his hand to his Graveyard, a burst of fire erupted from Phoenix Wing Wind Blast, which turned to Judgment Arrows. "And just as you said earlier, when Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters that point to it are destroyed! So say goodbye to your Link monster!"
"No way!" Bitboot gasped, as arrows of light pierced Battle Coela before turning it into particles. "Fine! We Set one card face-down and end our turn!"
"My turn! I draw!" Phoenix said, before he drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the effect of Scared Phoenix of Nephthys from my Graveyard. The turn after it was destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field. In addition, all Spell and Trap cards on the field are destroyed!"
"What?!" Bitboot exclaimed, as Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys reappeared on Phoenix's field.
Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys ATK: 2400 DEF: 1600 LV: 8
Then Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys released a burst of fire that destroyed Bitboot's face-down card.
"GAAH! This isn't good!" Bitboot panicked.
"Uh no, it's not for you guys at all." Phoenix agreed. "I summon Defender of Nephthys from my hand to my field." A woman with blond hair pulled in a long ponytail appeared on his field. She wore golden armor all over her body, as well as a thin, orange cape. In her left hand, she carried a sword.
Defender of Nephthys ATK: 1400 DEF: 200 LV: 2
"Battle!" Phoenix thrusted out his right hand. "Defender of Nephthys attacks you directly!" Defender of Nephthys charged forward and slashed Bitboot with her sword, which made him step back as their life points dropped.
Bitboot: 3500 – 1400 = 2100 LP
"You're about to get served big time! Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys attacks you directly! Blazing Rush!" Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys enveloped herself in fire before charging forward and hitting Bitboot with such force that he was sent flying off the ground.
Bitboot: 2100 – 2400 = 0
"How could we be defeated by someone who doesn't have an Ignis?" Bit wondered.
"This is why we must be careful of the human mind." Boot pointed out, before the both of them turned into particles.
"Okay, that was hard." Phoenix admitted. He had barely defeated an AI in a duel. One that was harder than all the other duels he had so far.
"You've done quite well, Phoenix." Gil said, as he ran over to where Phoenix was.
"You think so?" Phoenix turned to Gil. "What about you? Didn't you have any difficulty?"
"No, believe it or not. I just had a good opening hand, and cooked them into dinner." Gil answered, which made Phoenix sweatdrop in response.
"Phoenix!" a familiar voice stated, as both Phoenix and Gil looked upwards, only to see Stregone descend down to where they are.
"Stregone!" Phoenix replied.
"Good to see you okay." Stregone said out of relief, before he turned to Gil. "And Gil? What are you doing here?"
"Like I told Phoenix, if the network goes down, we all lose." Gil responded.
"But I don't understand. We didn't do anything to these AIs, yet they're attacking us. It's almost as if they're after something." Phoenix theorized.
"After something, you say? Maybe they're going after the information in the dark vault." Gil hypothesized.
"The dark vault?" Stregone repeated.
"You know what it is?" Phoenix asked.
"I only know rumours about it. How it contains sensitive information from past projects, meetings, and more. From names to results to classified data, it's all there." Stregone explained.
"In that case, we need to protect it as soon as possible." Gil immediately decided, before numerous Bitboots dropped down on their duel boards, intent on confronting the trio.
Thinking quickly, Gil pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which sent coordinates to Phoenix and Stregone's duel disks. He then turned around and activated his duel disk at the Bitboots, which caused them to do the same. "You two go and protect the info in the dark vault. I'll take care of these clowns."
"Gil..." Phoenix muttered. Was Gil actually doing something selfless for once? "Thanks. We appreciate it."
"Let's go, Phoenix." Stregone told Phoenix, the duo jumping on their duel boards and speeding away to the dark vault's entrance.
Elsewhere, at the top of a building in LINK VRAINS...
Numerous screens were in front of Windy as he swung his arms back and forth, as if he were a conductor in an orchestra. As a result, he was able to cause chaos in the real world by hacking cars, damaging systems, and more. To put it simply, humans were suffering, and Windy loved it.
"I'll be honest, Azrael. I originally wanted to go down there and rip a few humans a new one, but manipulating things behind the scenes is a far better way at making them suffer." Windy admitted with glee. "Though I'm still a little peeved you forbade me from attacking Raguel and his allies in the real world."
Azrael turned to Windy. As per his agreement, he gave a role for Windy regarding the attack, which was to cause chaos in the real world along with Ace's troops. However, just like Ace, Azrael gave strict rules for Windy to follow. First, he couldn't attack Raguel and his allies in the real world. Second, Windy can't attack any sensitive places such as schools, hospitals, houses, eateries, and apartments. Anyone on the streets, however, was fair game. If Windy broke any of those two rules, Azrael threatened to kill him on the spot. "I understand that, Windy, but if we're to succeed in this mission, controlled chaos is a must."
"We don't want to risk involvement from higher authorities, Windy. Not in an important mission such as this." Windy added in concern.
Windy sighed. "Fine, but I have one condition, and it's regarding the Hanoi."
"Oh? What would that be?" Azrael asked.
"I want to leave a recording to the Hanoi. A special message to Revolver, if you will. Surely, that's not too hard of a request to agree to, yes?" Windy narrowed his eye in glee.
"That sounds fair." Wraith complied. "Just make sure your message is ready before the next phase begins."
"Deal. Echo, begin filming my message." Windy ordered, which caused Echo to activate his duel disk as he pressed a button on it.
"My lord, take a look at this." Malf said, which got Azrael's attention as he looked at the screen the former was looking at, which showed the brainwashed Drachen using Meteor Black Comet Dragon's effect, along with Inferno Fire Blast to defeat Astro, Reidrith, and Jeanne in a one turn kill.
"Drachen's skills as a bounty hunter are nothing to laugh about." Azrael commented.
"And considering how he's the Hanoi's spy, he's the perfect weapon for the job." Wraith agreed. Soon, another screen popped up, which showed SengokuQueen battling several Bitboots.
"I believe I found the person who will accelerate my evolution, my lord." Malf stated, as he pointed his finger to SengokuQueen.
"You wish to duel her, right?" Azrael deduced. "Very well. She'll most likely want revenge for Dancho's defeat." In his mind, it was perfect. Revenge was a great motivator, and a powerful weapon to use... if one isn't blinded by it completely, that is. The fact that SengokuQueen wanted to avenge Dancho will be her undoing.
"I will get onto it right away." Malf then leapt from building to building, intent on finding SengokuQueen.
"We should get going as well, Azrael." Wraith stated.
"We should indeed." Azrael agreed, before he turned to Windy. "Keep the chaos controlled. Once Revolver and the others arrive, you and Malf will initiate the next phase."
"I'm looking forward to it." Windy complied, before Azrael leapt from building to building, heading towards the central station, and ultimately the dark vault.
Meanwhile, at another area of LINK VRAINS...
"Finish him off, Rihan!" SengokuQueen declared, as Rihan quickly sliced several Bitboots into pieces before turning them into particles. "How are things on your end, Rosetta?"
"Fine. There's still lots of them, though." Rosetta replied, before a massive wall of data suddenly separated her and SengokuQueen.
"Rosetta? Are you okay?" SengokuQueen asked out of concern.
"She'll be fine, human. She's just occupied with someone else for the time being." Bitboot answered, which got SengokuQueen's attention as she spun around to face him.
Someone else? Who would want to deal with Rosetta, SengokuQueen wondered, before it hit her. Ace. He most likely was participating in the attack, and is here to get revenge on Rosetta for his defeat during the Tower of Hanoi events. The faster I defeat this guy, the faster I can help Rosetta get out of that trap. "I assume you're here to duel, yes? Then let's get started, as I have other things to get done!" SengokuQueen activated her duel disk, ready to throw down.
"An eager one, huh? We'll put you in your place!" Bitboot declared, as he activated his duel disk.
"Duel!" Bitboot and SengokuQueen said at the same time.
Bitboot: 4000 LP
SengokuQueen: 4000 LP
"We'll take the first turn!" Bitboot immediately decided, which made SengokuQueen grit her teeth in annoyance, as she wanted to take the first turn. "We activate the Continuous-Spell card, Water Hazard. Once per turn, if we control no monsters, we can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Water monster from our hand to our field. From our hand, we Special Summon D-Scale Piercing Saury to our field." A thin, purple and grey fish with a glowing yellow front appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK: 800 DEF: 600 LV: 3
"We also summon D-Scale Saber Sardine from our hand to our field." A blue and grey mechanical fish appeared on Bitboot's field.
D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK: 600 DEF: 300 LV: 2
"Next, we activate its effect. By paying 500 life points, we can Special Summon one 'D-Scale' token to our field." Bitboot continued, as their life points dropped, which caused a small blue and green orb appeared on their field in defense position.
Bitboot: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP
D-Scale Token ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1
The sight of the three aquatic monsters made SengokuQueen slightly nauseous. "I never liked seafood or sushi….." Her stomach gurgled, having recalled a visit to the fish market once and how the pungent odours of old and raw fish had made her sick and on the verge of throwing up.
"Then it looks like you've bitten off more than you can chew, human!" Bitboot replied, before he raised his right hand above him. "Appear, our circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set D-Scale Saber Sardine and the Scale token into the Link Markers!" Saber Sardine went into the left arrowhead, while the Scale token went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large, purple mechanical fish with yellow eyes and green lines running over its body appeared on Bit and Boot's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
D-Scale Battle Coela ATK: 1800 LINK-2 ⬅️⬇️
Upon appearing on the field, Battle Coela bellowed out strongly, which sent out waves that pushed SengokuQueen back a little. As a result, she began to feel a little uneasy, having saw the big fish in front of her.
"Great..." SengokuQueen muttered in annoyance.
"We activate Battle Coela's effect! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to." Bitboot continued, as Battle Coela moved downwards to the Main Monster Zone it pointed to.
"He moved his monster to the Main Monster Zone, which means..." SengokuQueen muttered.
"Now let's see if you're prepared for this! Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who stands before us! We activate the Link Spell card, Judgment Arrows!" Within a few moments, Judgment Arrows appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Battle Coela pointed to.
Judgment Arrows ↖️⬆️↗️
So that's Judgment Arrows, SengokuQueen thought in her mind, having heard about the Link Spell. She narrowed her eyes, knowing it was going to be tricky. "I'm guessing that if a Link monster it points to battles, its attack points are doubled until the end of the damage step? As well as the fact that it destroys all monsters it points to should it leave the field?"
"Uh, yes and yes." Bitboot confirmed, surprised that a human knew about Judgment Arrows' effects. "But regardless, this is the beginning for you! Appear, our second circuit!" A second Link Portal appeared above Bitboot. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters, We set the Link 2 D-Scale Battle Coela, and Piercing Saury into the Link Markers!" Battle Coela went into the left and bottom arrowheads, while Piercing Saury went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle!" A large, black metal fish with yellow jaws, fins, and missile launchers on its back appeared on Bitboot's field at Judgment Arrows' top marker.
D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️
"Tch!" SengokuQueen grit her teeth, upon seeing the massive fish in front of her.
"And with that, we Set one card face-down and end our turn." Bitboot concluded. "You're up. Though anything you do is just going to be pointless compared to an AI."
"Is that so? My turn! I draw!" SengokuQueen stated, as she drew the top card of her deck. She had no time for this nonsense, as people were getting injured both in the real world and in the network. Upon looking at the cards in her hand, a strategy formed in her mind. "As you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Elder of the Six Samurai from my hand!" An old man wearing a white robe with a magenta turban and red glasses appeared on SengokuQueen's field. The old man was in a mechanical walking throne, which had four legs and a crossbow on either side.
Elder of the Six Samurai ATK: 400 DEF: 0 LV: 3
"That old man won't help you! But just in case, we activate the Continuous-Trap card, Eisbahn!" Bitboot countered. "Now while we control a Water monster, any non Water monsters on the field are shifted to defense position." As if on cue, a cold wind fired out of the card, which changed Elder of the Six Samurai's battle position to defense position.
SengokuQueen clicked her tongue out of annoyance at the hurdle thrown at her. Great. I don't have any strong Water monsters in my deck, she thought in her mind. Only Link monsters won't be affected by that Trap, but I have only two. "But as Dancho taught me, always carry a second blade! I summon Shien's Advisor from my hand to my field!" A strict old man wearing glasses and sand-colored robes with a scarlet jacket appeared on SengokuQueen's field. His hair was colored black and silver, and in his hands, he carried a katana.
Shien's Advisor ATK: 1200 DEF: 400 LV: 4
"But Shien's Advisor is Earth, which means his battle position is changed!" Bitboot reminded SengokuQueen, as Shien's Advisor changed to defense position.
"Perhaps, but I can still use this!" SengokuQueen countered. "Since I controlled a 'Six Samurai' monster when I Normal Summoned Shien's Advisor, I can declare a monster type, and while he's on the field, monsters of the declared type cannot attack or be Special Summoned!"
Bitboot gasped in alarm. "IMPOSSIBLE!"
"Is it?" SengokuQueen smirked as she declared the obvious choice. "I declare Cyberse!" Advisor unsheathed his sword and sent out a wave, which enshrouded over Full Metal Dunkle, paralysing it in place, "Now your fish is out of water now!"
"Grr!" Bitboot grunted out of annoyance. "That may be clever, human, but you're just stalling for time. After all, your monsters can't lay a dent on Full Metal Dunkle!"
"Just wait and see!" SengokuQueen defiantly replied. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
"My turn! We draw!" Bitboot stated, having drawn the top card of his deck. "Because of your underhanded tactics, we have no choice but to end our turn. Still, your defenses will be demolished on our next turn!"
SengokuQueen grit her teeth, having had enough of this AI in front of her. "You talk too much. If anything, I'd say you sealed your own fates!" While confident in her own skill, she knew she couldn't stall forever, as there were many more lives at stake around her and she had to finish this quick. "My turn! I draw!" SengokuQueen drew the top card of her deck. "I summon The Six Samurai – Zanji!" A samurai holding a naginata also appeared on her field. He wore dark brown armor and shin guards with orange lines. His helmet was curved at the top.
The Six Samurai – Zanji ATK: 1800 DEF: 1300 LV: 4
"I activate the effect of Legendary Secret of the Six Samurai from my hand. If I Normal or Special Summon a 'Secret Six Samurai' monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." A purple-eyed samurai wearing red armor with a blue flame emblem at the lower center and a long cape appeared on SengokuQueen's field. His entire body was made up of purple mist, as if the armor was possessed.
Legendary Secret of the Six Samurai ATK: 500 DEF: 2000 LV: 4
"Eisbahn forces them to defence mode!" Bitboot called out, as the cold wave blew over both warriors and forced them to yield. "Hehe, looks like you can't do anything either!"
"I'm aware of that, which is why I have this!" SengokuQueen responded. "I activate the Spell card, Six Strike – Triple Impact! As I control three or more face-up 'Six Samurai' monsters, I can activate one of three effects. I choose to activate the second effect, which lets me destroy all Spells and Trap cards on your field!"
"Seriously?!" Bitboot exclaimed, as Elder, Zanji, and Legendary Secret of the Six Samurai charged forward and destroyed all of Bitboot's Spell and Trap cards in a series of quick and fast strikes before returning to SengokuQueen's field.
"And with that, your Link Spell is gone, which means your giant fish is cooked!" SengokuQueen declared.
"No! If anything, you're the one who's going to get cooked!" Bitboot shot back. "If Full Metal Dunkle would be destroyed by battle or card effect, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to instead. We move it to the left!" Full Metal Dunkle shifted to the left Main Monster Zone it pointed to. "Then, during the end of our turn, we can destroy a monster in the same column as Full Metal Dunkle!"
SengokuQueen gulped upon realizing what was in store for her now. "Then that means…."
"YES! Your Shien's Advisor will be destroyed, and soon you will join it in oblivion when our turn comes!" Bitboot boasted, confident their victory was sealed.
SengokuQueen, however, had other plans in mind. "Then I guess that means I have to end this duel now."
Bitboot laughed back. "Ha! Bold words, but impossible! None of your warriors are close to touching our monster!"
"That was the case because of your Trap card protecting your monster. But now that it's gone, I can finally cut lose!"
Bitboot was caught off guard upon hearing this. "What do you mean?"
"Allow me to show you!" SengokuQueen responded. "Appear, the circuit of ancient honour!" A Link Portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, including a 'Six Samurai' monster. I set Elder of the Six Samurai, and Zanji into the Link Markers!" Elder went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Zanji went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai!" A samurai with black armour and shin pads with pink lines appeared on SengokuQueen's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. This samurai had long black hair tied into a ponytail, with a spiky black beard, as well as a red headband. Battle Shogun carried a long, slim katana in one hand, with two other katanas on his back.
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ↙️↘️
"Battle Shogun's effect! By discarding a card, I can add a card from my deck to my hand that has an effect that places a Bushido counter!" SengokuQueen added. "I discard Shien's Foot Soldier to add Six Samurai United from my deck to my hand." After she sent a card from her hand to her Graveyard, a card popped out of her deck, which she took and added to her hand. "I now activate the Continuous-Spell card, Six Samurai United. Each time I Normal or Special Summon a 'Six Samurai' monster, I can place a Bushido counter on this card! However, I activate the Trap card, Double-Edged Sword Technique! I can target two 'Six Samurai' monsters in my Graveyard and Special Summon them to my field. However, I must destroy them at the end of my turn, and I take damage equal to their attack points. I target Elder of the Six Samurai and Zanji, and Special Summon back to my field!" At SengokuQueen's command, Elder of the Six Samurai and Zanji reappeared on her field, the latter in one of the Main Monster Zones Battle Shogun pointed to.
Elder of the Six Samurai ATK: 400 DEF: 0 LV: 3
The Six Samurai – Zanji ATK: 1800 DEF: 1300 LV: 4
"Hang on a minute, are you setting up a suicidal combo?" Bitboot questioned. That was... odd. Maybe SengokuQueen sought to lose on her own terms.
"No, I'm not." Gekiryushi confirmed. "Battle Shogun's and Six Samurai United's effects activate in sequence! First, as a 'Six Samurai' monster was Normal or Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, I can place a 'Bushido' counter on him." One green crest was placed on Battle Shogun's armor within seconds.
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai BC: 0 + 1 = 1
"Next, Six Samurai United gains a 'Bushido' counter every time a 'Six Samurai' monster is Normal or Special Summoned. As such, it gains one counter!" One green crest entered Six Samurai United within seconds as well.
Six Samurai United BC: 0 + 1 = 1
"Furthermore, Battle Shogun gains 100 attack points for every 'Bushido' counter on the field." SengokuQueen added, as Battle Shogun's strength increased.
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai ATK: 1000 + (100 X 2) = 1200
"I now perform a Contact Fusion!" A Fusion Portal appeared above SengokuQueen. "The summoning conditions are three 'Six Samurai' monsters with different attributes. I use the Earth Elder of the Six Samurai, the Light Zanji, and the Dark Legendary Secret of the Six Samurai as Fusion Materials!" Elder turned into red particles, Zanji turned into blue particles, and Legendary Secret of the Six Samurai turned into green particles, which went into the Fusion Portal before swirling into a vortex. A massive tornado of energy then shot downwards from the portal to the ground on SengokuQueen's field.
"Samurai hidden in the night, ambush your enemies, and ensure nothing is left!" SengokuQueen chanted. "Fusion Summon! Reveal yourself, Level 5! Secret Six Samurai – Rihan!" A male shinobi wearing grey robes and armor pads with neon-yellow lines running over them appeared on SengokuQueen's field in one of the Main Monster Zones Battle Shogun pointed to. The man had a red scarf around his neck, along with a face-mask and face visor on his head. He also had spiked-brown hair and a ponytail as well. In his right hand, he carried a Sai, while the brass knuckle on his left hand emitted four translucent blades.
Secret Six Samurai – Rihan ATK: 2400 DEF: 2400 LV: 5
"And once again, Battle Shogun and Six Samurai United gain Bushido counters!" As if on cue, Battle Shogun and Six Samurai United both had green crests on them.
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai BC: 1 + 1 = 2
Six Samurai United BC: 1 + 1 = 2
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai ATK: 1200 + (100 X 2) = 1400
"You Contact Fusion Summoned?!" Bitboot exclaimed.
"That's correct!" SengokuQueen answered. "I activate Six Samurai United's second effect. Since the maximum counters it can have is two, I will send it to the Graveyard, and by doing so, I can draw one card for each Bushido counter that was on it. As there were two Bushido counters, I get to draw two cards!" She drew the top two cards of her deck. However, Battle Shogun's strength slightly diminished as a result.
Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai ATK: 1400 – (100 X 2) = 1200
"But you weakened your Link monster." Bitboot pointed out.
"Perhaps, but it was worth it in order to seal my victory." Gekiryushi responded, looking forward to shutting him up. "I activate Rihan's effect! Once per turn, I can banish a 'Six Samurai' monster from my hand to target one card on your field and banish it."
"THAT CAN'T BE TRUE!" Bitboot exclaimed out of disbelief.
"It is! See for yourself! I banish Secret Six Samurai – Doji from my hand to banish D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle!" Rihan threw his green Sai at Full Metal Dunkle, which turned it into particles, much to Bitboot's horror. "Battle! Battle Shogun of the Six Samurai attacks you directly!" Battle Shogun charged forward and slashed Bitboot with his sword, which made him take a step back as his life points dropped.
Bitboot: 3500 – 1200 = 2300 LP
"The battle continues! Secret Six Samurai – Rihan attacks you directly! Fillet those fools with Izuna Takedown!" Rihan teleported behind Bitboot before delivering a series of attacks from his Sai and his four translucent blades, which caused an explosion that sent Bitboot flying upwards off the ground.
Bitboot: 2300 – 2400 = 0
"I can't believe we lost at the hands of a-" Bit began speaking.
"Don't you dare go there! Just... don't." Boot warned, before the both of them turned into particles.
SengokuQueen panted. That was a hard duel for her. Still, she won in the end. And now that SengokuQueen got rid of her opponent, she can-.
WHOOSH!
SengokuQueen suddenly turned around, only to see Malf wave to her, a grin evident on his face as he outstretched his right index finger before bending it back and forth. Knowing what must be done, she immediately pressed a button on her duel disk, which released her duel anchor before it latched onto the top of the building, allowing her to jump onto it as Malf ran away. Once that was done, SengokuQueen chased after Malf, the former jumping onto one building after another to try and pursue him.
Malf jumped high into the air before his arm turned into a blade that he used to try and pierce SengokuQueen, the latter proceeding to roll to the right side before continuing to chase him. He then jumped onto a rooftop of a building, with SengokuQueen using her duel anchor to latch onto the same building and continue following after him.
"A stubborn student, just like her master..." Malf muttered, as he landed on a boarded walkway before continuing to run, with SengokuQueen giving chase.
"Take this!" SengokuQueen shouted, before she immediately pulled out a wakizashi and tanto from the sheathes strapped to her sides and proceeded to fire a current of energy from them. In response, Malf allowed himself to be caught in before using it to speed towards her, his arm once again having formed into a blade. As a result, SengokuQueen narrowly dodged to the side before jumping back.
"Though skilled, you're so blinded by revenge that you've failed to notice the battlefield I've taken you to." Malf told SengokuQueen.
"What's that supposed to mean?" SengokuQueen inquired back, before she looked around the area, which resembled a dojo. "Don't tell me..."
"While it may not specifically be the dojo you studied under, the fact that you were at one does bring up some memories, does it not?" Malf wondered, before he suddenly charged forward with blinding speed, grabbed SengokuQueen, and threw her to the training grounds just below them in the outdoors. He then jumped down to the opposite side of the training grounds, a grin on his face. "I look forward to our coming duel."
Elsewhere, in the central area of the network...
Rosetta panted as she defeated another Bitboot. They were hard to defeat, considering their strategies. Still, in the end, she was able to defeat them.
Unfortunately, Rosetta didn't know who or what activated that trap. Though whoever did wanted to defeat the winner of that duel.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Rosetta turned around, only to see Ace walk towards her.
"Bravo, Rosetta. Strong as I've remembered." Ace commented.
"So you're participating in this attack, huh?" Rosetta figured out. "Nice scar, by the way."
Ace touched the scar on his face, which consisted of a long cut that ran down the left side of his face. Apparently, it was his punishment due to what happened during the Turf War, despite the fact that he fulfilled his mission in giving Bohman the time needed to recover. He grit his teeth upon recalling what happened. "Your taunting is pointless, Rosetta. But to answer your question, it's the perfect opportunity to get payback not just for my humiliating defeat, but for your betrayal as well." A frown of disappointment on his face. "I've been looking forward to this, Rosetta, and thanks to my benefactor, I've been given this chance!"
"Your benefactor?" Rosetta repeated out of curiosity. Last time she saw Ace, he was assisting the Hanoi. But now... just who was he working for. She activated her duel disk, bracing herself for their coming duel. "Have you become a servant just so you can have a chance at revenge?"
"Better to be amongst the superior than be free and inferior." Ace countered, as he activated his duel disk. "I'm going to enjoy beating you to a bloody pulp for your betrayal. Not just that, in case you haven't been paying attention, anyone who loses will lose their consciousness data!"
Rosetta grit her teeth. While she saw Astro, Reidrith, and Jeanne turn into particles, she assumed they were forcefully logged out. But for them to lose their consciousness data... Rosetta didn't expect that at all. "I won't be the one losing, Ace. I will defeat you, just like last time, and I will stop you for good!"
Ace, in response, laughed. "Big words, Rosetta. Let's see who is superior, and who is inferior!"
Meanwhile, at Lightning's palace...
"Goodbye, my friend." Lightning said, as he thrusted out his right hand. "Battle! Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis attacks Fortressdrone Beehive! Clara Crimen!" Legatus Legionis charged forward on his horse across the battlefield and leapt off before proceeding to bring his sword down on Fortressdrone Beehive. As a result, the machine was split in two before it was destroyed in a massive explosion.
Everyone braced themselves against the shockwave of the explosion as it swallowed up Blood Shepherd and brought his life points to zero.
Blood Shepherd: 2300 – 2400 = 0
"Lightning was in control of this duel from the beginning to the end." Playmaker commented.
"Yeah, no joke." Ai agreed.
"I thought we had seen it all..." Herald muttered, having recalled seeing the video a while back on Soulburner's duel with Lightning. But seeing Lightning having way more in his arsenal than he first thought made their situation more worrying should they face him later on.
When the shockwave finally subsided, everyone saw Blood Shepherd fall to his knees.
"Blood Shepherd!" Ghost Girl cried out, having ran over to him.
Blood Shepherd turned to look at Ghost Girl. "I'm so pathetic. I failed to defeat the Ignis, I failed to end the war, and most importantly, I failed you."
"You failed me?" Ghost Girl repeated out of surprise.
"It's the older brother's responsibility to make sure his younger sister is safe." Blood Shepherd explained. Raguel narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. While sibling bonds helped others, all it ever did for him was cause nothing but pain, as evident by the physical and mental injuries Azrael inflicted on him. But moving that aside, it looked like Blood Shepherd had some redeeming qualities after all.
"So that's why you decided to fight on your own? To get me to stay out of this?" Ghost Girl asked.
"Hey, don't look at me like that. I never said it was the best plan." Blood Shepherd admitted. "I wish I had more time. No. Make that I wish I didn't waste the time I had. Time I could have used to get over the hurt. Time I could have used to get to know you. But time's one thing money can never buy."
"Blood Shepherd!"
"Don't call me that. Call me your big brother." Blood Shepherd then turned to Raguel. "Raguel, I trust that you'll finish my mission. Defeat the Light Ignis, and put an end to this war."
Raguel narrowed his eyes and nodded his head. "Don't worry, I'll finish what you started."
Blood Shepherd chuckled back. "I have no doubt you and the others will." He might have said more, but his time had come to the end. Blood Shepherd's body turned yellow and broke into data.
Ghost Girl tried to grasp the data in the air. "Big Brother!"
"Big brother?" Ai repeated out of surprise.
The data flew over to Lightning, which he took and put in his duel disk, a smirk evident on his face. Seeing the bonds between humans was indeed amusing to watch, as while it was a great strength, it was also a great weakness if exploited correctly. It certainly gave Lightning an idea to employ later on. "That was fun, my friends. Though it'll be more fun on what I'm about to tell you next."
"What are you talking about, Lightning?" Raguel demanded. Lightning, in response, snapped his fingers, which caused several screens to appear as the others looked at what they were seeing. On each screen showed images of LINK VRAINS in chaos, Bitboots and troops disguised as Hanoi grunts dueling the Charisma duelists and AIs SOL Technologies sent to assist them. Other screens showed Battle Coela and Full Metal Dunkle firing on innocent civilians in the network. To make matters worse, there was chaos in the real world, as evident by the battle between the authorities and the attackers, as well as explosions in the area.
"My God..." Blue Maiden gasped as she saw the screens. How could this happen? Were they not aware of it until now?
"What the Hell?" Soulburner muttered, his eyes having been widened as he stared at the screens.
"How could you..." Slipstream said under his breath, the screens reminding him of how Windy tried to kill him twice.
"Was this your doing, Lightning?" Playmaker demanded, only for Lightning to laugh.
"No, it wasn't. It was Azrael who launched the attack." Lightning answered with glee, which made everyone else gasp in response. "I'll have you know that during our duel, Azrael, Windy, Malf and the others launched an attack not just in LINK VRAINS, but in the real world as well while I trapped you in this palace during our duel."
"Trapped?" Raguel repeated.
"Yes. The moment you entered, my program prevented you from leaving until my duel against Blood Shepherd was finished." Lightning confirmed, before he snapped his fingers, which caused the palace to shake. "But now it's time for you to make a choice. You can pursue me, or save the people, but not both. And even if you did split up, you wouldn't be able to catch me in time. Until next time, my friends." Lightning and Jin then glowed in yellow light before they disappeared in a blink.
Playmaker grit his teeth. "...Lightning, damn you..." Within seconds, a portal appeared, the same one he and the others used to enter Lightning's palace as the whole area began crumbling around them.
"Guys, we have to go and help the others! We can't let Azrael get away with injuring innocent people!" Raguel cried out, with the others nodding in agreement. He, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Blue Maiden, and Ghost Girl all summoned their duel boards before they sped right through the portal, the palace falling apart and destroying itself in the process.
Meanwhile, in the real world, at Ryoken's yacht...
"That was a rather interesting duel." Ryoken commented.
"Yes, it was. Even after all the preparations Blood Shepherd made, he still lost against the Light Ignis." Youta agreed. The fact that Lightning was strong enough to defeat a bounty hunter like Blood Shepherd made him a fearsome foe, indeed. "Do you think it'd be a good idea to reach out and join forces with Playmaker and the others?"
"Perhaps, Youta." Ryoken responded. But before he can say anymore, Kyoko ran into the room, which caused Ryoken and Youta to turn to her.
"Ryoken, we have good and bad news! We found Drachen's location in the network, but..." Kyoko began speaking.
"Show us what you've found." Ryoken replied, as he and Youta followed her to another room of the yacht that contained a holographic information display, along with monitors. Aso, Emon, and Eizaburo were also there, waiting for Kyoko, Ryoken, and Youta to arrive.
"You might want to take a look at this." Eizaburo said, as he pressed a button on one of the monitors, which caused a message to be played on the holographic information display.
"Hello, Hanoi scumbags!" Windy stated in a cheerful manner. "This is Windy, and before you say anything, it's a pre-recorded message, so you can't talk back to me while I'm speaking. I'll have you know that your little buddy Drachen is in our captivity. If you want to rescue him so badly, then come and find me at my location! See you then!" The message then ended before turning itself off.
Ryoken then proceeded to prepare and log into the network using his duel disk, only for Kyoko to stop him.
"I'm logging into the network and rescuing Aka, Kyoko. I am not losing anyone else to the Ignis." Ryoken viciously told her.
"I understand that, but what about the battles in the real world?" Kyoko inquired back, which made Ryoken raise an eyebrow out of confusion.
Aso pressed a button on another monitor, which showed chaos in the real world, as evident by the battle between the authorities and the attackers, as well as explosions in the area.
"When did this occur?" Youta asked.
"Most likely the same time as the Light Ignis's duel against Blood Shepherd." Aso hypothesized, which made Ryoken grit his teeth. How could he not see this happen sooner? Ryoken was so focused on observing the duel between Lightning and Blood Shepherd that he failed to do a routine scan of the real world to see what was going on.
"Listen to me, Ryoken! The Hanoi may have been formed to protect the people from the Ignis, but if we don't help them during human crises, we'll be nothing more than hypocrites!" Kyoko warned Ryoken with such fury that it made him gasp. Kyoko was certainly abiding by the Hippocratic oath she took when she was a doctor.
"I am with Kyoko on this, Ryoken. People helped us in our time of need. Now it's time to help them." Emon added in agreement.
Ryoken quickly formed a plan in his mind before speaking. "Youta and I will go into the network to find and rescue Aka. The rest of you, help the authorities if you can, but do it discreetly. The last thing we need is to get exposed in this chaotic situation."
A grateful smile then formed on Kyoko's lips as she, Aso, Eizaburo, and Emon sat down on their chairs and got to work. "Thank you, Ryoken. Thank you for understanding."
"Like I said before, Kyoko. The last thing I want is to waste the chance to save human lives." Ryoken reiterated to her, as Youta turned to face him.
"Shall we, Master Ryoken?" Youta asked him.
"Yes." Ryoken confirmed, before he and Youta raised their duel disks.
"Deck Set! Into the VRAINS!"
Green, wispy pieces of data are shown floating through the network as a bright light briefly covers the screen, multiple cards popping up one by one.
Yusaku is first shown walking to school before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Playmaker. Takeru is also shown doing the same thing before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Soulburner. Last but not least, Yuhiro and Arashi are shown doing the same thing before they morph into the VRAINS Personas Raguel and Slipstream. Ai, Flame, Aqua, and Herald pop up on the screen one by one afterwards.
A split screen then pops up, showing Aoi walking down the street on one side, while Emma scratches the back of her head on the other side, as if she were stressed out. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Blue Maiden and Ghost Girl. A second split screen pops up afterwards, showing Rachel on her tablet on one side, while Gekiryushi practices her swordsmanship on the other side with concentration. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Numera and SengokuQueen.
Soon after, a third split screen appears, showing a skinny Go Onizuka clutching his head in pain with his left hand, while Kengo Dojun puts a hand on his chin, as if thinking something over. The screen then cracks, showing a virtual network where Go closes his eyes and spreads out his hands with a smile, while Blood Shepherd aims his right hand at the screen. A fourth split screen appears, showing Akairo completing some schoolwork, while Brion is in his apartment, looking at a picture in his locket with narrowed eyes, which showed his family. The screen then cracks, showing Drachen with Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword in his hand, while Electrolyzer has PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta attached to his body.
The main tower LINK VRAINS is shown before the screen cracks in two, which reveals the main tower in Mirror LINK VRAINS. Lightning's faction is shown in the light, but then the screen is enveloped in darkness before depicting Azrael flaring out the Muramasa with Malf and Wraith on his sides.
Revolver, Specter, and Infearno are then shown on the screen, with Revolver on the left, Infearno in the center, and Specter on the right.
The screen changes to show multiple people at Green Park. First is Kusanagi and Roxy beside one another, with Akira speaking to Emma and Gekiryushi nearby. Next is Arashi crossing his arms, with Takeru is looking out at another area while Yusaku simply looks ahead of him, Aoi sitting down on the stairs nearby. Yuhiro is seen looking ahead of him with a stressed expression on his face, a silhouette of Miyu trying to comfort him. Rachel runs up to where Yuhiro is before standing next to him, with Naoki trying to wave his hand to the humans nearby. Herald is shown with Ai, Flame, and Aqua nearby the humans. Last but not least, Ryoken, Youta, and Emon are shown conversing in another area of Green Park.
The screen then shows a grey landscape, where Cyberse Clock Dragon, Salamangreat Heatleo, Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, Borreload Savage Dragon, and Cyberse Quantum Dragon fly by one by one before disappearing. Last but not least, a network background appears, with a strand of rainbow data flowing around it before Raguel, Playmaker, Soulburner, and Slipstream appear, along with Ai, Flame, and Herald. All four humans draw a card from the top of their decks before a bright light covers the screen.
Card Gallery
No new cards introduced in this chapter.
QOTC
In your opinion, which character in Yu-Gi-Oh! has the most complicated family?
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 77: Let There Be Carnage. One by one, SOL Technologies' forces fall at the hands of Azrael's army. While Ace confronts Rosetta, Malf lures SengokuQueen away from the others for their duel. In the midst of the chaos, Azrael heads closer to the dark vault, only to be intercepted by Stregone and Phoenix, the duo having figured out what Azrael is here for. Stregone then proceeds to challenge Azrael to a duel, the latter calmly accepting his challenge in response...
Author's Notes
Thanks for waiting, everyone. I'll be honest, I had a bit of a writer's block trying to figure out how to put the pieces together in the appropriate manner so that it reflects the timeline the anime showed. But when you do the duels first, it goes much faster, don't you agree? Moving that aside, let's do a quick recap, as I'm sure you need it:
First up is the meeting between Yuhiro and Aoi, which I know for a fact you guys wanted to see for quite a while. Recap that Aoi feels betrayed and hurt for what Yuhiro did to her in not telling her the truth about Miyu sooner. She's still willing to give him a chance, but still feels betrayed. Aoi then encounters Medusa, who's been sent to keep an eye out should there be any unexpected surprises, and it's here where Medusa questions whether Aoi is truly Yuhiro's friend or not, despite what happened. Why did Medusa ask this? It's because she's tasked with protecting Yuhiro and Miyu, for Herald created her as a member of the 'Cyreath' deck. While Medusa accepts Aoi's answer for the time being, she reminds her that the topic will be discussed once again another time.
For Yuhiro and Aoi's friendship, I like to compare it to Shirou Emiya and Saber's relationship in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works. Both Yuhiro and Aoi trust one another and are loyal to the point where they're close, best friends. It's nothing romantic, it's just they trust one another deeply.
Moving that aside, Yuhiro proceeds to explain the truth to Aoi regarding how Azrael, his own flesh and blood, was the one who put the virus in Miyu and sent her to the hospital. He also tells her the truth about Project: VIII and how it affected everyone, as well as his origins. Last but not least, Yuhiro apologizes for everything that's happened. Aoi's response? She hugs him, and assures him that she's still his friend. After Yuhiro tells Aoi about his unforgiveable sin on how he used Miyu's happiness to absolve him of guilt, Aoi responds by saying that it can be forgiven, as it took her a while to forgive Akira once she found out how he used her happiness to absolve him of guilt.
Aqua then asks Yuhiro whether he loves Miyu or not. Now allow me to explain something to you: Yuhiro didn't technically develop feelings for Miyu until during the three months between Seasons 1 and 2. To put it simply, it began at the end of Chapter 38. But moving past that, Yuhiro tells Aqua and Aoi that he loves Miyu, and will always love her no matter what. It goes to show that despite Yuhiro's mistakes, he genuinely cared for someone with his heart and soul to the point where he'd risk everything for the one he loved.
Last but not least is the story of Akira and Aoi, and how their parents met. While the anime shows that Akira and Aoi are obviously adopted siblings, it didn't provide any background on that story, so I decided to add more details to it. Here, Akira's mother got sexually assaulted, and the man was caught and thrown into prison for life. When Akira's mother realized she was pregnant due to the scandal, she chose to keep the baby, and raised Akira up single with help from her family and friends. As for Aoi's original mom, she died of a heart attack when she was little. So in conclusion, Akira's mom and Aoi's dad met and got married. Let me know what you think of the meeting between Yuhiro and Aoi.
Next up is the scenes at SOL Technologies, where Greg goes to visit Akira. After Akira tells Greg about his findings, Greg asks if Akira told his higher-ups about this, which causes him to respond by saying no due to them focusing on the AI chip project. Greg, upon hearing this, practically lambasts Akira for failing to do his job as Security Chief, and when Akira tries to respond back, Greg basically throws his words right back at him, which succeeds in getting through to him. Compared to Yuhiro and Aoi, who have been compassionate with Akira, Greg shows no mercy and lays down the law. Greg even warns Akira to choose a side, and also implies that the FBI will get involved should things get worse.
Third is the prelude to the attack. Recall that Lightning had to make a hundred Bitboots for Azrael's mission back in Chapter 75. Also recall that Lightning's plan is to distract their enemies by luring in Blood Shepherd and having the others watch. That will give Azrael the time needed for him to launch the attack. And what did Azrael meant by a bomb? Well, you'll have to read on to find out that.
Anime events aside, the rest of the chapter focuses on the attack on the Central Station in LINK VRAINS. The Charisma duelists, along with Phoenix and Rosetta, and later on Numera and SengokuQueen, gather to defend the Central Station from being attacked by the hundred Bitboots, as well as a brainwashed Drachen. This leads to the four duels in the chapter, which are Phoenix, Gil, Numera, and SengokuQueen vs a Bitboot each.
I'll start with Phoenix in saying that he's mastered his deck and how it works compared to Chapter 45. While he's nowhere near the level of Raguel and the others, he's still strong enough to defeat a Bitboot. For Gil, he was able to easily defeat Bitboot with the cards in his hand, and even if he didn't, he could have defeated him on his next turn. That, and it gives him another win for the story. To put it simply, don't underestimate Gil. Period.
Numera also had it easy for her, as she was able to catch Bitboot off guard with the fact that she has Cyberse monsters. That, combined with the Bitboots' ignorance in the effects of her cards, helped her secure the win. Of the four duelists, SengokuQueen had the hardest time in defeating Bitboot. She had to play strategically to respond to Bitboot's moves, as well as improvise on the spot. Luckily, SengokuQueen was able to defeat Bitboot in the end before pursuing Malf, where they'll have their duel next chapter.
After the duels, Rosetta is confronted by none other than Ace, and they'll also have their duel next chapter as well.
The chapter ends with anime scenes, along with an additional scene revolving around the Hanoi, where they find Drachen's location in the network and proceed to rescue him. Now allow me to point something out: Ryoken cares for human lives, and he demonstrates it once again by having the other Hanoi members help the authorities discreetly while he and Youta go and rescue Drachen.
With everything recapped, I want to thank you for reading Chapter 76 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.
What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? The duels? The discussion between Yuhiro and Aoi? The fact that Greg practically slapped Akira with reality in the face? Azrael's plans for the dark vault? Or something else?
That's all for now, folks. Let me know which duel you're looking forward to next chapter: Azrael vs Stregone, SengokuQueen vs Malf, or Rosetta vs Ace. I bid you adieu, for next time, the second the part of the attack on LINK VRAINS continues!
